Biography

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.

Photos

Filmography

View King Kong
King Kong

King Kong

1933Film
7.6
View Mighty Joe Young
Mighty Joe Young

Mighty Joe Young

1949Film
6.4
View Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages

Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages

1916Film
7.1
View The Birth of a Nation
The Birth of a Nation

The Birth of a Nation

1915Film
6.0
View The Buccaneer
The Buccaneer

The Buccaneer

1958Film
6.4
View Carmen Jones
Carmen Jones

Carmen Jones

1954Film
6.1
View Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life

1934Film
7.0
View Operator 13
Operator 13

Operator 13

1934Film
5.8
View Thank Your Lucky Stars
Thank Your Lucky Stars

Thank Your Lucky Stars

1943Film
6.1
View Sullivan's Travels
Sullivan's Travels

Sullivan's Travels

1941Film
7.4
View Band of Angels
Band of Angels

Band of Angels

1957Film
6.2
View San Francisco
San Francisco

San Francisco

1936Film
6.5