It’s only fair to follow up a post about Douglas Fairbanks with one about the other half of Hollywood’s Royal Couple, “America’s Sweetheart” Mary Pickford. Mary began her film career in 1909, joining the American Biograph Company to act for D.W. Griffith in silent one-reelers. At that time the sixteen-year-old had already spent eight years on the stage. She was capable and mature beyond her years, as she was supporting her mother and two younger siblings. At that time studios did not release the names of their players, but audiences noticed the girl with the round face and the golden curls right away, and clamoured to know who she was. Theatres advertised her as “the girl with the curls” or “the Biograph Girl” until her name was finally released to the press. In this way she was among the very first movie stars.
(Her real name was Gladys Smith. The stage name of Mary Pickford was selected for her by theatrical impresario David Belisario.)
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