Mary Pickford was a Canadian-American actress and producer, known as "America’s Sweetheart" and a pioneer of early cinema. She co-founded United Artists and was a key figure in shaping Hollywood’s star system. Pickford specialized in playing youthful, wholesome heroines in the silent era (like in "Pollyanna"), and won an Oscar for one of her few sound performances. Her business savvy and popularity made her one of the most powerful women in film of her time.