Pickford, Mary (1892-1979), was a star of silent motion pictures. Pickford became known as “America’s Sweetheart” because of her great popularity. She was famous for her portrayals of plucky and innocent young heroines.
Pickford made her film debut in 1909 and appeared in 194 movies. Among her most popular films were The Poor Little Rich Girl (1917) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917). Pickford won the 1928-1929 Academy Award as best actress for her performance in Coquette. She also received a special Academy Award in 1976 honoring her lifetime contribution to movies.
Pickford was born in Toronto, Canada, on April 8, 1892. According to birth records, her real name was Gladys Louise Smith. She began acting on the stage at the age of 5. In 1919, she founded United Artists, a major Hollywood movie studio, with director D. W. Griffith and film stars Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Pickford married Fairbanks in 1920. She retired from film acting in 1933. She died on May 29, 1979.
