Discovery District in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Mary Pickford

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

1. Mary Pickford Marker

Inscription.
Born in 1893 in a house that stood near this site, Gladys Marie Smith appeared on stage in Toronto at the age of five. Her theatrical career took her to Broadway in 1907 where she adopted the name Mary Pickford. The actress's earliest film, "Her First Biscuits," was released by the Biograph Company in 1909 and she soon established herself as the international cinema's first great star. Her golden curls and children's roles endeared her to millions as "America's Sweetheart." She was instrumental in founding and directing a major film production company and starred in over fifty feature-length films, including "Hearts Adrift," "Pollyanna" and "Coquette." For the last-named film, she received the 1929 Academy Award as the year's best actress.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, Archives of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 43° 39.399′ N, 79° 23.325′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in the Discovery District. Marker is on University Avenue

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just north of Elm Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located beside the sidewalk on the grounds of the Hospital for Sick Children, near her birthplace. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 555 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. William T. Mustard (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian Airmen Monument (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); University Club of Toronto Building (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Thanks and Remembrance (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Notre Place (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Honourable R. Roy McMurtry (approx. half a kilometer away); McMurtry Fountains / Fontaines McMurtry (approx. half a kilometer away); Queen's Park, Toronto (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.

Also see . . .
1. Mary Pickford.

A pioneer in the American film industry, she co-founded Pickford–Fairbanks Studios and United Artists, and was one of the 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She was one of the Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood and a significant figure in the development of film acting. She is credited with having defined the
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

2. Mary Pickford Marker
ingénue type in cinema. She was awarded the second Academy Award for Best Actress for her first sound film role in Coquette. She received an Academy Honorary Award in 1976 in consideration of her contributions to American cinema.

(Submitted on June 15, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Mary Pickford (IMDB Trivia).

• Arguably the silent era's most renowned female star.
• The first artist to have her name in marquee lights.
• The first international star.
• She was the first movie actress to receive a percentage of a film's earnings.
• In 1919, she co-founded United Artists with D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin and then-future husband, Douglas Fairbanks.
• First star (along with husband Douglas Fairbanks) to officially place hand and footprints in the cement at Grauman's Chinese Theatre (April 30, 1927).
• One of her happiest memories as a child living in Toronto, Mary would rent a bicycle for ten cents and loved to ride up and coast down University Avenue.

(Submitted on June 15, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Mary Pickford Sculpture<br>(<i>adjacent to marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

3. Mary Pickford Sculpture
(adjacent to marker)

Mary Pickford Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

4. Mary Pickford Sculpture

Mary Pickford Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

5. Mary Pickford Plaque

(mounted on base of sculpture)
Mary Pickford
World’s first superstar
of the cinema
Toronto
1893-1979

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 15, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.