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Mary Pickford, This article is about the actress. For the British politician, see Mary Ada Pickford. For the Katie Melua song, see Mary Pickford (Used to Eat Roses).Mary Pickford (April 8, 1892 – May 29, 1979) was a Canadian-born motion picture actress, co-founder of the film studio United Artists and one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Known as Americas Sweetheart, Little Mary and The girl with the curls, she was one of the Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood and a significant figure in the development of film acting.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 films most important performers and producers, her contract demands were central to shaping the Hollywood industry. In consideration of her contributions to American cinema, the American Film Institute named Pickford 24th among the greatest female stars of all time.