Butterfly McQueen Net Worth at Death
Butterfly McQueen was an esteemed American actor born January 7th 1911 in Tampa Florida. She became famous as Scarlett O’Hara’s maid Prissy from Gone With The Wind film classic.
She made her stage debut with Venezuela Jones’s off-Broadway production of Swingin’ The Dream and became known by all as “Butterfly.” Throughout her acting career, this nickname would remain with her.
Early Life and Education
Butterfly McQueen was born Thelma McQueen in Tampa on January 7, 1911 to Wallace McQueen who worked on the docks. McQueen later relocated to New York where she joined a theater troupe and performed musical revues.
After appearing in Venezuela Jones’s Butterfly Ballet off-Broadway in 1935, she earned the name of Butterfly due to her vivid portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara’s fussy maid Prissy in Gone with the Wind.
As roles for black actresses dwindled in Hollywood during the 1950s, McQueen refused typecasting by finding work as a dancer, companion, real estate agent, taxi dispatcher, saleslady at Macy’s and seamstress – eventually even earning herself a Bachelor of Political Science from City College of New York in 1975.
Professional Career
McQueen initially studied to become a nurse, but decided instead to pursue acting. She joined Venezula Jones’ Youth Theatre Group in Harlem and debuted on Broadway with Brown Sugar. McQueen later earned the stage name “Butterfly” for performing a Butterfly Ballet performance of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream production.
She most famously played Scarlett O’Hara’s maid Prissy in Gone with the Wind (1939). Additionally, she appeared in films such as The Women, Cabin in the Sky, I Dood It!, and Mildred Pierce.
McQueen worked both on television and radio, appearing on both The Jack Benny Show and Beulah series. To supplement her income, she held various odd jobs throughout her life such as being a taxi dispatcher, factory worker, tour guide, waitress, restaurant owner, Macy’s department store employee as well as music/dance teacher.
Achievement and Honors
Butterfly McQueen will always be best remembered for her iconic performance as Scarlett O’Hara’s hilarious servant girl Prissy in Gone with the Wind. In her career she also appeared in films such as Cabin in the Sky and Mildred Pierce; becoming known for her iconic line: “I ain’t no expert when it comes to birthin’ babies!”
Tired of being typecast in roles she felt were demeaning to her race, she left acting after filming Duel in the Sun in 1946 and went on to work as a tour guide, Macy’s department store employee, dishwasher, waitress and dance teacher.
In 1979, she won a lawsuit against Greyhound bus terminal security guards for mistaking her for a pickpocket and attacking her. Later she earned a bachelor of political science degree from New York City College.
Personal Life
McQueen never married and did not have children, instead spending her later years commuting between Augusta, Georgia, and New York City while working variously as a taxi dispatcher, factory worker, tour guide, Macy’s department store employee, waitress/restauranteur. In 1975 she studied political science and earned a bachelor’s degree from New York City College.
Thelma McQueen was a civil rights activist and member of the NAACP. She died at 84 in December 1995. McQueen was best known for playing Scarlett O’Hara’s maid Prissy in Gone With The Wind (1939), yet could not attend its premiere because it was held at a whites-only theater despite feeling that her character demeaned black audiences.
Net Worth
Butterfly McQueen was an acclaimed celebrity who earned millions during her storied career. On December 22, 1995 at age 84 she died as the result of severe burns sustained due to a kerosene heater catching fire at home and burning her severely.
Butterfly McQueen first gained cinematic recognition as an actress when she made her debut as the frenetic servant Prissy in Gone with the Wind (1939). After acting in several more films throughout the 1940s, Butterfly transitioned into television acting during the 1950s.
She made her final film appearance in 1986’s Mosquito Coast as an atheist who left her body to science, leaving a bequest to Freedom From Religion Foundation and being known for being an advocate for civil rights during her lifetime.
