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Madame Sul-Te-Wan

Mar 07, 1873 - Feb 01, 1959 (85 years old) in Louisville, Kentucky, USA

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

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The Birth of a Nation
Black Woman (uncredited)
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King Kong
Native Handmaiden (uncredited)
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Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)
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Tarzan and the Trappers
Witch Woman
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The Story of Seabiscuit
Libby
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Ladies They Talk About
Mustard (uncredited)
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The Buccaneer
Good Luck Charm Vendor
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Mighty Joe Young
Young Family Servant (Uncredited)
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Imitation of Life
Cook (uncredited)
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Operator 13
Slave at Medicine Show ( Uncredited)

Credits