Pickford, Mary
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Mary Pickford (April 8, 1892 - May 29, 1979) was an Oscar-winning Canadian motion picture star and co-founder of United Artists in 1919. She was known as "America's Sweetheart," "Little Mary" and "the girl with the curls."
She was one of the first Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood and one of film's greatest pioneers. Her influence in the development of film acting was enormous. Because her international fame was triggered by moving images, she is a watershed figure in the history of modern celebrity. And as one of silent film's most important performers and producers, her contract demands were central to shaping the Hollywood industry.
The American Film Institute named Pickford 24th among the greatest female stars of all time (AFI's 100 Years... 100 Stars).