Butterfly McQueen Quotes
- Film actress
- USA
- 1911 - 1995
Butterfly McQueen was an American actress best known for her role as Prissy in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind. She was a pioneering African American actress who worked in both film and television throughout her career. McQueen was also a civil rights activist and a member of the NAACP. She was nom…Read More
Butterfly McQueen was an American actress best known for her role as Prissy in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind. She was a pioneering African American actress who worked in both film and television throughout her career. McQueen was also a civil rights activist and a member of the NAACP. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role in the television series The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. McQueen’s other notable works include her roles in the films The Painted Desert, The Little Colonel, and The Mosquito Coast.Read Less
Butterfly McQueen was an American actress best known for her role as Prissy in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind. She was a pioneering African American actress who worked in both film and television throughout her career. McQueen was also a civil rights activist and a member of the NAACP. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role in the television series The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. McQueen’s other notable works include her roles in the films The Painted Desert, The Little Colonel, and The Mosquito Coast.
Butterfly McQueen Career Highlights
- Born on January 7, 1911 in Tampa, Florida
- Best known for her role as Prissy in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind”
- First African-American woman to win an Emmy Award for her role in the 1955 TV series “Beulah”
- Acted in over 50 films and TV shows throughout her career
- Also worked as a comedian, dancer, and singer
Key Contributions by Butterfly McQueen
- Broke barriers for African-American actors in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s
- Pioneered the role of comedic relief for African-American characters in film
- Helped pave the way for future African-American actors and actresses in the entertainment industry
- Used her platform to speak out against racial discrimination and advocate for civil rights
What Sets Butterfly McQueen Apart
- Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities as an African-American actress, McQueen persevered and became a successful and well-known performer
- Her iconic role as Prissy in “Gone with the Wind” is still recognized and celebrated today
- McQueen’s talent and charisma on screen helped break stereotypes and challenge societal norms during a time of racial segregation in the United States
Takeaways
- Butterfly McQueen’s career and contributions to the entertainment industry serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of African-American individuals in the face of adversity
- Her impact on Hollywood and representation of African-American characters on screen continues to inspire and influence future generations
- McQueen’s legacy serves as a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in the media.