Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen

1911-1995

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen Marker

Inscription. Originally a dancer with the Katherine Dunham troupe, she made her professional stage debut in George Abbot's Brown Sugar. But she is best known for her role as Prissy in Gone with the Wind, 1939. Later, a stint on the radio show Beulah, 1947-1951, led to the same role in the TV series, 1950-1952, and to the role of Butterfly on Jack Benny's radio program during World War II.

McQueen played several roles that she considered racially stereotypical and thus demeaning, but she continued to act occasionally, ultimately winning a Daytime Emmy in 1979. In the 70's, she pursued her political interests, earning a B.A. in political science at City College of New York.

A native of Tampa, Florida, after being educated in the public schools of Augusta, she spent her summers in New York and her winters in Augusta, where she died from injuries sustained in a tragic home fire.

Erected by The Augusta African American Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Women. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

33° 27.96′ N, 81° 58.831′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is on Laney Walker Boulevard east of 13th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1324 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker (here, next to this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (here, next to this marker); Carrie J. Mays (a few steps from this marker); Frank Garvin Yerby (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Channing H. Tobias (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace (a few steps from this marker); Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Charles T. Walker (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . .
1. Butterfly McQueen. Wikipedia entry on the dancer, actress and atheist, who lived with her mother in Augusta after her parents separated. (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Butterfly McQueen: What a Character!. Known for her distinctive voice and comedic performances, Thelma “Butterfly”

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen Marker

Featured marker is fourth from left.

McQueen cemented her legacy in Hollywood when she starred as Prissy in Gone With the Wind (1939). Despite her talent, McQueen’s career was marred with racial prejudice and contempt at her portrayal of Prissy. Nevertheless, this actress left an indelible mark on Hollywood throughout the 1940s and is a staple in understanding the evolution of Black representation on screen. (Turner Classic Movies, uploaded Sept. 1, 2020) (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen image. Click for full size.

Via Wikipedia (Public Domain), 1941

3. Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen

The actress as seen in this cropped screenshot from the film Affectionately Yours.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.