About
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Madame Sul-Te-Wan (born Nellie Crawford; March 7, 1873 – February 1, 1959) was the first African-American actress to sign a film contract and be a featured performer. She was an American stage, film and television actress for over 50 years. The daughter of former slaves, she began her career in entertainment touring the East Coast with various theatrical companies and moved to California to become a member of the fledgling film community. She became known as a character actress, appeared in high-profile films such as The Birth of a Nation (1915) and Intolerance (1916), and easily navigated the transition to the sound films. In 1986, she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
Known for
King KongMovie • 1933
Ladies They Talk AboutMovie • 1933
The Birth of a NationMovie • 1915
Carmen JonesMovie • 1954
Mighty Joe YoungMovie • 1949
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the AgesMovie • 1916
The BuccaneerMovie • 1958
Sullivan's TravelsMovie • 1941
Tarzan and the TrappersMovie • 1960
San FranciscoMovie • 1936
CollegeMovie • 1927
In Old ChicagoMovie • 1938
Band of AngelsMovie • 1957
Tarzan of the ApesMovie • 1918
Something of ValueMovie • 1957
Black MoonMovie • 1934
King of the ZombiesMovie • 1941
Imitation of LifeMovie • 1934
Queen KellyMovie • 1929
ThunderboltMovie • 1929
Thank Your Lucky StarsMovie • 1943
Revenge of the ZombiesMovie • 1943