UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we highlight historic photos of the city's people, places and events, and tell the stories behind them.

Until September 18th, there will be a buzz of activity in the city with the Toronto International Film Festival. Since 1976, the festival has grown to become one of the largest film festivals worldwide that has featured and hosted some of the most prominent actors in the business.

With that in mind, it may be interesting to know that Toronto was the birthplace of one of the first stars of the cinema. Born in the early 1890’s, Gladys Marie Smith began her acting career at five years old, appearing on stage in Toronto. By 1907 she was on Broadway and soon took on the name, Mary Pickford. Pickford became an international sensation, commonly known as "America's Sweetheart."

Pickford with her trademark curly golden hair, starred in over fifty feature-length films including "Hearts Adrift", "Pollyana" and "Coquette".

Along with her role as a screen actress, Pickford was a shrewd businesswoman and talented producer. She was a founder of United Artists and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Located in Hollywood is the Academy's Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, dedicated in 2002 to pay homage to Mary Pickford.

In Toronto an historical plaque marks Pickford’s birthplace on University Avenue at Elm Streets. Pickford stands out front of her house in this 1924 photograph.

Source:

http://torontohistory.org/Pages_MNO/Mary_Pickford.html

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/about/history.html

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/women/030001-1260-e.html

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.