Mary Pickford Birthplace Site - Toronto

Mary Pickford's birthplace site is on University Avenue in Toronto.  On April 8, 1892, the future silent screen superstar was born Gladys Louise Smith at a home that once stood near this spot, at 211 University Avenue.  Her parents were John Charles Smith, an alcoholic who would die in 1898, after abandoning the family, and Charlotte Hennessey, who would give birth to two more children, Lottie and Jack, in the home.  After John died Charlotte was forced to take in borders, one of whom was involved in the theatre, and first suggested that young Gladys appear on the stage.  She performed with the Valentine Company in Toronto for a short while and acheived a small measure of scucess.  Soon the family packed up roots and began touring in support of young Gladys' new career.  By 1907 she had moved to New York, changed her name to Mary Pickford,  and embarked on a film career.  Her family home was demolished in 1943, but a marker and bust stand on University Avenue to commemorate her birth.  The marker was erected in 1973 and the bust was added in 1983.  The site of her former home is now occupied by Toronto General Hospital.

 Submit photo(s) for this home.