Butterfly McQueen, American actress and dancer (d. 1995)

Butterfly McQueen, born Thelma McQueen on January 8, 1911, in Tampa, Florida, and passing away on December 22, 1995, in Augusta, Georgia, was a pioneering American actress and an outspoken advocate against racial stereotypes. Her life and career spanned significant periods of American history, reflecting both the glamour of early Hollywood and the harsh realities of racial segregation.

Originally embarking on a career as a dancer, a path that cultivated her natural theatricality, McQueen made her memorable film debut as "Prissy," the skittish enslaved housemaid, in the iconic 1939 epic Gone with the Wind. While the role brought her widespread recognition and became her most famous, it also placed her squarely within the problematic tradition of stereotypical portrayals of Black characters in Hollywood cinema. The film's highly publicized premiere, held in Atlanta, Georgia, further underscored the racial injustices of the era: McQueen, along with other Black cast members like Hattie McDaniel and Oscar Polk, was explicitly barred from attending the event due to the venue's strict whites-only segregation policy. This exclusion highlighted the profound paradox of celebrating Black talent on screen while simultaneously denying their basic human dignity and rights off screen.

McQueen became famously vocal about the limitations and indignities she faced due to pervasive typecasting in the film industry. She articulated her frustration succinctly and powerfully, stating: "I didn't mind playing a maid the first time, because I thought that was how you got into the business. But after I did the same thing over and over, I resented it. I didn't mind being funny, but I didn't like being stupid." This poignant quote encapsulated her desire for roles that offered depth, intelligence, and a wider range of human experience, transcending the often demeaning portrayals of domestic servants prevalent in films of the 1930s and 1940s. Beyond Gone with the Wind, she appeared in other notable productions like The Women (1939), Mildred Pierce (1945), and Duel in the Sun (1946), often in similar typecast roles.

Frustrated by the persistent lack of diverse and respectful opportunities in cinema, McQueen largely stepped away from acting in the late 1940s and early 1950s, though she did transition to early television roles, notably in the popular sitcom Beulah (1950-1952). Demonstrating her multifaceted spirit and unwavering commitment to personal growth and independence, she pursued other professional paths. This included working in an ammunition factory during World War II and establishing a career as a nurse. Remarkably, at the age of 64, she returned to academia, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from City College of New York in 1975, showcasing her enduring intellectual curiosity and determination to chart her own course beyond the confines of Hollywood expectations.

Her later career saw a well-deserved resurgence of recognition, culminating in a significant achievement in 1980 when she won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming. This prestigious accolade was awarded for her compelling performance as Aunt Thelma in the ABC Afterschool Special episode "Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid." Her passing in 1995, resulting from burns sustained in a house fire, marked the end of a remarkable and impactful life. Butterfly McQueen's legacy continues to resonate, not only for her memorable contributions to film and television during a challenging era for Black performers but also for her courageous stance against racial discrimination, her outspoken advocacy for better roles, and her unwavering pursuit of education and self-actualization.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly McQueen

What was Butterfly McQueen's real name?
Butterfly McQueen was born Thelma McQueen. She reportedly adopted "Butterfly" as her stage name due to her constant, light hand motions that resembled a butterfly's wings.
Why was Butterfly McQueen unable to attend the premiere of Gone with the Wind?
She was barred from attending the film's premiere in Atlanta, Georgia, due to the widespread racial segregation prevalent in the American South at the time, as the event was held at a whites-only theater.
What was Butterfly McQueen's famous quote regarding her typecasting?
She famously stated: "I didn't mind playing a maid the first time, because I thought that was how you got into the business. But after I did the same thing over and over, I resented it. I didn't mind being funny, but I didn't like being stupid."
Did Butterfly McQueen pursue other careers in addition to acting?
Yes, frustrated with the limited and stereotypical roles offered to Black actresses, she largely retired from acting in the 1950s. She subsequently worked as a nurse, in an ammunition factory, and notably earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from City College of New York in 1975 at the age of 64.
What significant award did Butterfly McQueen win later in her career?
She won a 1980 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming for her memorable performance as Aunt Thelma in the ABC Afterschool Special episode "Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid."