Mary Pickford's Family

America's Sweetheart was actually Canadian. Mary Pickford's real name is Gladys Smith. Growing up poor in Toronto, it was her father's untimely death that led to her rise as the first ever movie star. Having to earn money to support the money, Mary Pickford starting acting in local revue theatre.

Moving on to New York's theatre scene and eventually movies, it was Mary's engaging presence that made her the first star of the movies.