Many renowned celebrities hail from Toronto, and one of the brightest among them is Mary Pickford. Known as the highest-paid actress of the early 20th century and the most glamorous star of the silent film era, she left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
Mary Pickford’s life was a continuous quest for self-discovery. She was a producer, writer, and an enchanting woman who could captivate any man. Learn more about the life and career of Mary Pickford on torontoski.info.
Childhood and Early Steps in Film
Mary Pickford was born in Toronto on April 8, 1892. She grew up with her sister and brother in a modest household. At the age of four, Mary contracted diphtheria, and during her illness, she was baptized by a Roman Catholic priest, receiving the middle name “Marie.”
In 1898, her father passed away, plunging the family into poverty. To make ends meet, her mother, Charlotte, rented out a room in their home to members of the Cummings Stock Company. The company invited Mary and her siblings to perform in a small play. By 1900, the Pickford children were acting on stage in “Bootle’s Baby” and later that year, Mary performed at Toronto’s Princess Theatre, playing dual roles in “The Silver King.”
In 1901, Mary and her siblings joined a touring theatre troupe. By 1907, they were performing with David Belasco’s prominent company in New York City. Pickford’s big break came when she starred in William de Mille’s play “The Warrens of Virginia” on Broadway.
By 1909, Mary had transitioned to film, making her debut in a lead role in the short film “Her First Biscuits” with the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company. That same year, she signed a contract with Biograph Company, earning $10 a day for her role in “The Violin Maker of Cremona.” Her next notable appearance was in “They Would Elope.”
A Thriving Career
In the winter of 1910, Pickford moved to California, continuing her film career under the direction of D.W. Griffith. Her performances quickly garnered the attention of audiences and critics alike for their emotional depth. Pickford became the first actress to masterfully combine psychological realism with silent film.
In 1911, Mary married actor Owen Moore. The couple pursued their acting careers together, with Pickford collaborating with numerous directors between 1912 and 1919.
In 1919, Pickford, Griffith, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin co-founded the United Artists Corporation. Later, Mary established her own production company, Mary Pickford Company, to create films for United Artists. Her first production, “Pollyanna,” grossed over $1 million.
By 1919, Pickford was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars, earning the title of the highest-paid actress in the industry. Her colleagues affectionately referred to her as “The Girl With the Golden Hair.”
Transition to Sound Films
In 1927, Pickford starred alongside Charles Rogers in “My Best Girl,” her final silent film. She was also among the first actresses to transition to sound films, appearing in “The Jazz Singer,” a groundbreaking production that marked the end of the silent film era.
Pickford’s last on-screen performance was in “Secrets,” released during the Great Depression. In 1930, she retired from acting and focused on producing films.
In 1934, Mary Pickford returned to her hometown of Toronto. Over the course of her career, she received numerous awards and was internationally recognized as a pivotal figure in film history.
Mary Pickford passed away on May 29, 1979, due to a stroke. Her legacy is commemorated in Toronto with a bust and plaque at the Hospital for Sick Children and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.