Butterfly McQueen Autograph

Profession:
(1911-1995) American actress - originally a dancer, McQueen first appeared in film in 1939 as Prissy, Scarlett O'Hara`s maid, in the film `Gone with the Wind`

Year of Birth: 1911

Thelma "Butterfly" McQueen was an American actress who gained fame for her role as Prissy in the 1939 classic film Gone with the Wind. Born in Tampa, Florida on January 7, 1911, McQueen was the youngest of five children. Her parents were a sharecropper and a homemaker. Growing up, McQueen had an interest in acting and was encouraged by her family to pursue it. She attended a local high school and later enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

In 1931, McQueen made her debut on the New York City stage in a production of Porgy and Bess. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. She made her big-screen debut in the 1932 film The Widow from Monte Carlo. McQueen's first major film role came in 1939 when she was cast as Prissy in the classic Civil War epic Gone with the Wind. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

After her success in Gone with the Wind, McQueen went on to appear in numerous other films, including The Women in Red (1935), The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1936), and The Great Gatsby (1949). She also appeared in television series, including The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and The Mickey Mouse Club. McQueen also made appearances on Broadway, including productions of Porgy and Bess and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Throughout her career, McQueen was an advocate for civil rights. She was an active member of the NAACP, and spoke out against racism in the film industry. She was also a member of the National Council of Negro Women. In addition to her advocacy work, McQueen was a talented artist. She was known for her paintings and sketches, which she sold at art galleries around the country.

McQueen passed away on December 22, 1995, at the age of 84. She is remembered for her talent, activism, and her contributions to the film industry. Her career spanned decades and she was a pioneer for African-American actors. McQueen's life and work will be remembered for generations to come.

Today, McQueen's legacy lives on through the Thelma "Butterfly" McQueen Foundation, which was founded in her honor. The foundation works to inspire and empower African-American youth through the arts, education, and community involvement. It is a testament to McQueen's lasting impact on the entertainment industry and her commitment to making a difference.