Contents
Mary Pickford
Becoming a silent-film star who also helped take control of film distribution.
The Love Light · Little Annie Rooney
- Born
- 8 April 1892
- Birthplace
- Toronto, Canada
- Died
- 29 May 1979
More people
Mary Pickford
Mary Pickford was a Canadian-born actor and producer who became one of silent cinema’s most powerful figures. Behind her youthful screen image stood a businesswoman negotiating ownership and creative control.
Early life
Family breadwinner
Born Gladys Louise Smith and began stage work as a child to support her family.
Touring theatre
Travelled with theatrical companies before entering film.
Career
- 1909
Biograph films
Began working with director D. W. Griffith.
- 1910s
Production control
Built international stardom while negotiating increasingly influential contracts.
- 1919
United Artists
Co-founded the distribution company with three fellow filmmakers.
- 1933 onwards
Behind the camera
Retired from screen acting while remaining involved in the industry.
Selected work
The Love Light
Starred in a drama directed by Frances Marion.
Little Annie Rooney
Played a spirited girl in a New York neighbourhood.
Coquette
Won a Best Actress Oscar for her first talking feature.
Beyond work
Charitable work
Helped establish the Motion Picture Relief Fund.
Film preservation
Supported the preservation and public recognition of early cinema.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Rufus Porter Moody. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
