Early Life and Career
Born as Thelma McQueen on January 8, 1911, Butterfly McQueen was an American actress who first appeared in films as “Prissy” in Gone with the Wind (1939). She also appeared in the films Cabin in the Sky (1943), Mildred Pierce (1944), and Duel in the Sun (1946). 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.” (according to Wikipedia)
The Tragic Incident: Butterfly McQueen’s Cause of Death
Butterfly McQueen passed away at the age of 84 on December 22, 1995, at Augusta Regional Medical Center in Augusta. The cause of her death was burns she had gotten when a kerosene heater she tried to light malfunctioned and burst into flames. They took the actress to Augusta Regional Medical Center, where medical personnel treated her for third-degree burns over 70% of her body. McQueen was in very critical condition before her death. Unfortunately, her body succumbed to her injuries. She died in the hospital at the age of 84. (according to Simple English Wikipedia and The Celebrity Deaths)
Legacy
Despite the tragic circumstances of her death, Butterfly McQueen’s legacy lives on. She is remembered for her distinctive, high-pitched voice and her roles in iconic films. Her life and career serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by African-American actresses in Hollywood, and her death underscores the dangers of household accidents. Her story continues to inspire and caution us, even years after her passing. (according to TheHumanist.com)
