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.

Known For

King Kong

Native Handmaiden (uncredited)

Mighty Joe Young

Young Family Servant (Uncredited)

The Birth of a Nation

Black Woman (uncredited)

Carmen Jones

Hagar – Carmen's Grandmother (Uncredited)

The Buccaneer

Good Luck Charm Vendor

Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages

Girl at the Marriage Market (uncredited)

In Old Chicago

Hattie

Hoodoo Ann

Black Cindy