Who Is Butterfly McQueen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Butterfly McQueen, born on January 8, 1911, in Tampa, Florida, was an American actress celebrated for her role as Prissy in the iconic 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." With a career spanning several decades, McQueen became a pioneering figure in Hollywood, especially noted for her contributions during a time when African American actresses faced significant challenges in the industry. She passed away on June 22, 1995, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1911 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 22 December, 1995 |
| Died Place | Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
Popularity
Butterfly McQueen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Butterfly McQueen was known for her petite stature, standing at approximately 5 feet tall (152 cm). Her weight fluctuated throughout her career, but she was known to be slender. Unfortunately, specific measurements such as her weight are lesser-known, but her presence on screen was larger than life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Husband/Wife)
Butterfly McQueen was known to keep her personal life private. She never married and did not have children, which often led fans to wonder about her romantic life. While details about her dating history remain limited, McQueen focused primarily on her career and activism throughout her life.
Born January 8, 1911, in Tampa, Florida, Thelma McQueen was the daughter of Wallace McQueen, a stevedore/dockworker, and Mary McQueen, who worked as a maid. After her parents separated, Thelma lived with her mother in Augusta, Georgia, where she was educated by nuns at a convent.
She had planned to become a nurse until a high-school teacher suggested that she try acting. McQueen initially studied with Janet Collins and danced with the Venezuela Jones Negro Youth Group.
Around this time she acquired the nickname "Butterfly" – a tribute to her constantly moving hands – for her performance of the Butterfly Ballet in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Disliking her birth name, she later legally changed it to Butterfly McQueen.
She performed with the dance troupe of Katherine Dunham before making her professional debut in George Abbott's Brown Sugar.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 1995, Butterfly McQueen's net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. Throughout her career, she earned a respectable salary, especially considering the era. Despite the challenges she faced as an African American actress, she garnered significant income from her film roles and later television appearances.
Career, Business and Investments
Butterfly McQueen's career took off with her role in "Gone with the Wind," which remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Following this major success, she appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Beyond acting, McQueen was also a civil rights activist, advocating for racial equality and opportunities in Hollywood for African American performers. While specific investments are not well-documented, her involvement in various advocacy groups demonstrated her commitment to social change.
She had an uncredited bit part as a sales assistant in The Women (1939), filmed after Gone with the Wind but released before it. She also played Butterfly, Rochester's niece and Mary Livingstone's maid, in Jack Benny's radio program in the 1940s.
She appeared in an uncredited role in Mildred Pierce (1945) and played a supporting role in Duel in the Sun (1946). By 1947, she had grown tired of the ethnic stereotypes she was required to play and ended her film career. During World War II, McQueen frequently appeared as a comedian on the Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast Jubilee.
Many of these broadcasts are available on the Internet Archive.
Social Network
Though Butterfly McQueen passed away long before the rise of social media, her legacy is celebrated across various platforms. Fans and organizations dedicated to preserving her work and contributions maintain social media accounts that highlight her impact on cinema and culture. Her family and friends occasionally share memories and tributes, ensuring that her spirit continues to resonate.
Often typecast as a maid, she said: "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." She continued as an actress in film in the 1940s, and then moved to television acting in the 1950s. She won a 1980 Daytime Emmy Award for her performance in the ABC Afterschool Special episode "Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid".
Education
Butterfly McQueen attended local schools in Tampa, Florida, and later pursued further education at the New York School of Social Work at Columbia University. Her educational background helped influence her roles and her dedication to her causes, both in her career and personal life.
McQueen was appearing as a student in the Broadway comedy What a Life in 1938 when she was spotted by Kay Brown, talent scout for David O. Selznick, then in pre-production for Gone With the Wind (eventually released in 1939). Brown recommended that McQueen audition for the film.
After Selznick saw her screen test, he never considered anyone else and McQueen was cast in the role that would become her most identifiable – "Prissy", a simple-minded house maid. She uttered the famous words: "Oh, Miss Scarlett!
I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies!" Her distinctive, high-pitched voice was described by a critic as "the itsy-little voice fading over the far horizon of comprehension". While the role is well known to audiences, McQueen did not enjoy playing the part and felt it was demeaning to African-Americans.
She was unable to attend the film's premiere because it was held at a whites-only theater.
Conclusion
Butterfly McQueen may no longer be with us, but her incredible contributions to film and society make her a timeless figure in American culture. As we look back at her life in 2025, her legacy remains an essential part of Hollywood history, inspiring all who aspire to break barriers and pursue their dreams.
