Thelma McQueen
Butterfly McQueen
January 8, 1911, Tampa, Florida, U.S. – December 22, 1995, Augusta, Georgia, U.S
Thelma McQueen was born on January 8, 1911, in Tampa, Florida, her roots and culture were firmly planted in a working-class family. Her parents, Wallace McQueen, a stevedore, and Mary McQueen, employed as a maid, provided the foundation for her upbringing. Following her parents’ separation, Thelma relocated with her mother to Augusta, Georgia, where she received her education under the guidance of nuns at a local convent.
Initially, Thelma’s aspirations leaned towards a career in nursing until a pivotal moment when a high-school teacher recognized her potential in acting. Encouraged by this newfound direction, she embarked on a journey into the world of performance. Under the tutelage of Janet Collins, she honed her skills and found expression through dance, notably becoming a member of the Venezuela Jones Negro Youth Group.
It was during this transformative period that Thelma earned the moniker “Butterfly,” a nod to her graceful and expressive hand movements, showcased in her memorable performance of the Butterfly Ballet in a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Dissatisfied with her given name, she embraced her new identity, legally changing it to Butterfly McQueen.
Her artistic journey flourished as she joined the esteemed dance troupe of Katherine Dunham, where she further refined her craft and prepared for the next chapter of her career. This preparation culminated in her professional debut under the guidance of George Abbott in the production of “Brown Sugar,” marking the beginning of her illustrious career in the performing arts.
Despite facing numerous challenges, McQueen pursued her education with determination, fueled by the support of her parents and family. Their unwavering encouragement nurtured her dreams and instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
In the realm of entertainment, McQueen’s talent was undeniable. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of “Prissy” in the timeless classic “Gone with the Wind” in 1939, marking her debut in the world of cinema. This role catapulted her into the spotlight, showcasing her innate ability to captivate audiences with her charm and charisma.
Throughout her career, McQueen’s versatility shone brightly as she graced the silver screen in notable films such as “Cabin in the Sky” (1943), “Mildred Pierce” (1944), and “Duel in the Sun” (1946). Despite her undeniable talent, McQueen faced the harsh reality of being typecast, often relegated to roles as a maid. Despite the limitations imposed upon her, McQueen refused to be confined by stereotypes, boldly expressing her discontent with the industry’s narrow portrayal of black women.
“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 once remarked, epitomizing her unwavering resolve to challenge the status quo.
Undeterred by the challenges she encountered, McQueen continued to pursue her passion, transitioning seamlessly into television acting in the 1950s. Her talent and dedication were duly recognized when she received the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award in 1980 for her outstanding performance in the ABC Afterschool Special episode “Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid.”
Beyond her contributions to the entertainment industry, McQueen’s impact transcended the screen, inspiring generations of artists and activists alike. Her unwavering commitment to authenticity and representation paved the way for future generations of performers, leaving an indelible mark on the arts.
McQueen led a life marked by independence and activism. Without the ties of marriage or children, she divided her time between New York in the summers and Augusta, Georgia, during the winter months.
A staunch Democrat, McQueen threw her support behind Adlai Stevenson’s presidential bid in the 1952 election, aligning herself with causes she believed in.
In a remarkable display of determination, McQueen earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from City College of New York at the age of 64 in 1975, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
In July 1983, McQueen found herself at the center of a legal battle when she was awarded $60,000 in damages following a lawsuit she filed against two bus terminal security guards. Alleging harassment after being unjustly accused of theft and vagrancy at a Washington, D.C. Greyhound bus terminal in April 1979, McQueen stood up for her rights in a quest for justice.
An outspoken atheist, McQueen was honored with the Freethought Heroine Award by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in 1989. Her unwavering skepticism towards organized religion was evident in her candid remarks, where she questioned the legitimacy of Christianity and advocated for a focus on humanistic values rather than mythological beliefs.
Her belief in the power of human action to create positive change was palpable in her statements about social responsibility. McQueen envisioned a world where compassion and action replaced religious dogma, lamenting the societal ills perpetuated by misplaced faith.
Tragically, McQueen’s life came to a premature end at the age of 84 on December 22, 1995, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. The cause of her death stemmed from burns sustained in a household accident when a kerosene heater she attempted to light malfunctioned, engulfing her in flames and leaving her with second-degree and third-degree burns to over 70 percent of her body according to the Augusta Chronicle’s archives. her body was donated to science. She did leave behind a handwritten last will which was notarized.
Even in death, McQueen’s commitment to her beliefs remained steadfast, as she generously donated her body to medical science and ensured that her legacy of skepticism and activism lived on by remembering the Freedom From Religion Foundation in her will.