Mary Pickford 'America's Sweetheart' of the Silent Film Era

Mary Pickford was 'America's Sweetheart' during the silent film era, when the girl with the big eyes and curly hair captivated early movie goers. Pickford was much more than a pretty face though, she was one of the original founders of United Artists, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and a pioneer of early Hollywood.

Pickford is one of the most important performer of the the silent film era. The American Film Institute designated Pickford number 24 in their list of top stars of American cinema. Pickford was a savvy businesswoman and her contract demands helped to shape the way business was and is conducted in the Hollywood movie industry.

Mary Pickford was born ub Canada in 1892 and named Gladys Marie Smith, Her father was an alcoholic who died, causing her mother to push her children into show business for the money. Gladys Marie Smith, called 'Baby Gladys' was christened 'Mary Pickford' by producer David Belasco.

Pickford's film career began in 1908, when she worked for D.W. Griffith, the head of Biograph Studios. Griffin specialized in the 'damsel in distress' stories, which stereotyped the silent films. The Gish sisters, Lillian and Dorothy, acted for Griffith during the same time period that Pickford did.

Pickford played the innocent young girl role, even as an adult. Some of her box office hits of the 1920's were 'Pollyanna,' ' Little Lord Fauntleroy' and 'My Best Girl.' In 1929 Pickford starred in her first 'talkie,' Coquette,' for which she won an Academy Award.

After she retired from the screen Pickford continued to work in the movie industry, producing films. Some of her films were 'One Rainy Afternoon' (1936), 'Susie Steps Out' (1946) and 'Sleep My Love' (1948).

Mary Pickford was married three times: to actor Owen Moore (1911 - 1920), actor Douglas Fairbanks (1920 - 1936) and actor Buddy Rogers (1939 - 1979).

Douglas Fairbanks was one of the most dashing leading men of Hollywood, famed for his 'swashbuckler' roles. Pickford married Fairbanks in 1920 and they were a super couple of Hollywood until their divorce in 1936. During their marriage, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were the golden couple of Hollywood. There mansion, Pickfair, was legendary for Hollywood parties and gatherings around their salt water swimming pool.

Mary Pickford married actor Buddy Rogers in 1937 and the couple remained married until her death in 1979 at the age of 87. The couple had adopted and raised. two children. In Pickford's later years she became reclusive and spent most of her time at Pickfair.

Resources:
Bilgraphy.com
IMdb

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