Mary Pickford, the quintessential “America’s Sweetheart” of the silent film era, married three times. Her husbands were actor Owen Moore, screen idol Douglas Fairbanks, and actor and musician Charles “Buddy” Rogers, each relationship profoundly shaping her life and legacy.
The Life and Loves of Mary Pickford: A Hollywood Icon
Mary Pickford, born Gladys Louise Smith in Toronto, Canada, rose from poverty to become one of the most celebrated and powerful figures in early Hollywood. Her career, spanning decades, cemented her status as a cinematic legend. Understanding the men she married is crucial to understanding the complexities of her personal and professional life.
The First Husband: Owen Moore (1911-1920)
Pickford’s first marriage, to Owen Moore, an Irish-born actor, occurred in 1911. At the time, Pickford was a rising star and Moore was an established player in the nascent film industry. The marriage, however, was turbulent and ultimately unsuccessful.
Behind the Scenes: A Marriage Under Strain
The relationship was plagued by Moore’s alcoholism and Pickford’s burgeoning career. She rapidly eclipsed him in fame and fortune, creating a significant power imbalance. Moore struggled with the shadow of his wife’s immense popularity, and his dependence on alcohol exacerbated the situation. They lived largely separate lives towards the end of their marriage, both consumed by their respective careers and personal demons. They officially separated in 1916, but it took until 1920 to finalize the divorce, largely due to Pickford’s concern for her public image. Divorce carried a significant social stigma during that era, particularly for someone of her stature.
The Second Husband: Douglas Fairbanks (1920-1936)
The marriage of Mary Pickford to Douglas Fairbanks in 1920 was a global sensation. Fairbanks, a swashbuckling action star known for his athleticism and charm, was the perfect counterpart to Pickford’s innocent image. Together, they were Hollywood royalty.
Power Couple: The King and Queen of Hollywood
Their union was more than just a marriage; it was a business partnership and a cultural phenomenon. They built Pickfair, a lavish estate that became a symbol of Hollywood glamour and a hub for the social elite. They co-founded United Artists with Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, giving them unprecedented control over their careers and artistic output. The public adored them, seeing in their marriage a romantic ideal. However, the pressures of fame and their individual ambitions eventually took their toll.
The Cracks Begin to Show: A Marriage Under Pressure
Fairbanks’s constant travels and reported infidelities, coupled with Pickford’s increasing desire for a more stable and private life, ultimately led to their divorce in 1936. The fairytale marriage had crumbled under the weight of reality, leaving Pickford heartbroken and disillusioned. The public was shocked, as their divorce shattered the carefully cultivated image of perfect Hollywood love.
The Third Husband: Charles “Buddy” Rogers (1937-1979)
Mary Pickford’s third marriage, to Charles “Buddy” Rogers in 1937, proved to be the most enduring and stable. Rogers, an actor and musician, was considerably younger than Pickford.
A Quiet Harmony: Finding Peace in Later Life
Their relationship offered Pickford the companionship and stability she had long craved. Rogers provided unwavering support and a sense of normalcy in a life that had been anything but. He helped her manage her business affairs and cared for her as she retreated from the public eye. They adopted two children, Roxanne and Ronald, adding a new dimension to Pickford’s life. While their marriage lacked the explosive passion of her relationship with Fairbanks, it provided a comfortable and loving haven.
The Final Act: A Legacy Preserved
Rogers remained devoted to Pickford until her death in 1979, meticulously preserving her legacy and ensuring her contributions to film history were not forgotten. Their relationship demonstrated that love could evolve and flourish even after the tumultuous chapters of earlier life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mary Pickford’s Marriages
FAQ 1: How old was Mary Pickford when she married Owen Moore?
Mary Pickford was 18 years old when she married Owen Moore in 1911. He was approximately 25 years old. The significant age difference and Moore’s established career contributed to the initial power dynamic in their relationship.
FAQ 2: Why was Mary Pickford called “America’s Sweetheart”?
Mary Pickford earned the title “America’s Sweetheart” due to her on-screen persona of innocent and virtuous young women. Her roles resonated with audiences who saw her as embodying traditional values and idealized femininity. This carefully cultivated image made her immensely popular and a symbol of American ideals.
FAQ 3: What was Pickfair, and why was it so important?
Pickfair was the Beverly Hills mansion built by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. It served as their home and a gathering place for Hollywood’s elite, solidifying their status as the King and Queen of Hollywood. Its opulent design and legendary parties made it a symbol of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
FAQ 4: What was United Artists, and what role did Mary Pickford play in its creation?
United Artists was a film studio founded in 1919 by Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith. It was created to give artists more control over their films and distribution, challenging the established studio system. Pickford’s financial acumen and business savvy were crucial to the studio’s initial success.
FAQ 5: Why did Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks divorce?
The reasons for Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks’ divorce were multifaceted, including Fairbanks’s infidelities, their conflicting ambitions, and the immense pressure of their public image. Both struggled to reconcile their individual needs with the demands of their “perfect” marriage, leading to irreparable damage.
FAQ 6: How old was Charles “Buddy” Rogers when he married Mary Pickford?
Charles “Buddy” Rogers was 33 years old when he married Mary Pickford in 1937. Pickford was 44 years old, making Rogers eleven years her junior. This age difference was a topic of conversation at the time, but their relationship proved to be a lasting one.
FAQ 7: Did Mary Pickford have any children?
Mary Pickford adopted two children with Charles “Buddy” Rogers: Roxanne and Ronald. She reportedly longed for children but was unable to conceive. The adoption of Roxanne and Ronald brought a new level of joy and fulfillment to her life.
FAQ 8: What caused Mary Pickford to withdraw from public life?
Mary Pickford gradually withdrew from public life due to a combination of factors, including the decline of her film career, her growing disillusionment with Hollywood, and her increasing dependence on alcohol. The stress of fame and the personal tragedies she experienced contributed to her desire for a more private and peaceful existence.
FAQ 9: How did Charles “Buddy” Rogers contribute to Mary Pickford’s legacy?
Charles “Buddy” Rogers played a crucial role in preserving Mary Pickford’s legacy. He carefully managed her estate, ensured her films were preserved and made available to the public, and frequently spoke about her contributions to cinema. His dedication ensured that her achievements were not forgotten.
FAQ 10: What was Mary Pickford’s net worth at the time of her death?
Mary Pickford’s net worth at the time of her death in 1979 was estimated to be around $50 million, equivalent to hundreds of millions of dollars today. She was a savvy businesswoman and shrewd investor who wisely managed her earnings throughout her career.
FAQ 11: Where is Mary Pickford buried?
Mary Pickford is buried in the Garden of Memory at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Her final resting place is a popular destination for fans who wish to pay their respects to the legendary actress.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to learn more about Mary Pickford’s life and career?
Several excellent biographies and documentaries explore Mary Pickford’s life and career. Exploring her films, particularly those from the silent era, provides invaluable insight into her talent and enduring appeal. The Mary Pickford Foundation is also a valuable resource for information and archival materials.