Full Name: Gladys Louise Smith (Mary Pickford)
Birthdate: April 8, 1892
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died: May 29, 1979 (aged 87)
Occupation: Actress, producer, screenwriter, businesswoman
Years Active: 1900–1933
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Mary Pickford, born Gladys Louise Smith, started acting as a child in Toronto. After her father’s death, she worked on stage to support her family. By age 14, she was performing on Broadway, where she caught the attention of film director D.W. Griffith.
In 1909, she made her film debut with Griffith’s Biograph Company, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her expressive acting and “girl next door” charm.
Rise to Stardom: “America’s Sweetheart”
Pickford became one of the biggest silent film stars of the 1910s and 1920s. Known for her golden curls, expressive face, and roles as spirited young women, she earned the title “America’s Sweetheart.”
Some of her most famous films include:
- “Tess of the Storm Country” (1914) – Her breakthrough role
- “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” (1917)
- “Stella Maris” (1918)
- “Pollyanna” (1920)
- “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1921)
At the height of her fame, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood and had unprecedented control over her films.
Hollywood Business Empire & Innovations
- Co-founded United Artists (1919): Alongside Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, Pickford created United Artists, giving filmmakers more control over their work.
- Academy Award Winner: Won Best Actress for Coquette (1929), her first talkie.
- Pioneered Film Production: She was one of the first female producers in Hollywood, shaping the early film industry.
Later Years & Legacy
As sound films (talkies) became popular, Pickford retired from acting in 1933. However, she remained active in Hollywood as a producer and businesswoman.
She spent much of her later life in seclusion at her Beverly Hills mansion, Pickfair, and became a U.S. citizen in 1940.
She received an honorary Oscar in 1976 for her contributions to cinema.
Personal Life
- Married Douglas Fairbanks (1920–1936): They were Hollywood’s first “power couple,” but their marriage ended in divorce.
- Married Charles “Buddy” Rogers (1937–1979): Stayed together until her death.
- Adopted two children.
Death & Legacy
Mary Pickford passed away in 1979 at age 87. She is remembered as one of the most influential figures in film history, helping shape Hollywood and paving the way for women in the industry.
