Also Known As: Nellie Wan, Nellie Crawford, Madame Sultewan
Madame Sul-Te-Wan
📍Born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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
The Narrow Street
as Easter
Black Moon
as Ruva
Who's Your Father?
as Black Mother (uncredited)
The Pagan Lady
as Carla the Servant
Tarzan of the Apes
as Esmeralda - Jane's Maid (uncredited)
In Old Chicago
as Hattie
Uncle Tom's Cabin
as Slave at Wedding (uncredited)
Manslaughter
as Prison Inmate (uncredited)
The Thoroughbred
as Sacharine
The Affairs of Annabel
as Benzedrina (uncredited)
Tell No Tales
as Jim Alley's Mother (uncredited)
Heaven on Earth
as Voodoo Sue
📌 Quick Info
Born
March 7, 1873
Place of Birth
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Department
Acting
Popularity
0.5
Also Known As
📊 Career Stats
58
Acting Roles
0
Crew Roles
58
Movies
0
TV Shows