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{{short description|Canadian actress}}
{{short description|Canadian-American actress (1893–1936)}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Lottie Pickford
| name = Lottie Pickford
| image = Lottie Pickford.jpg
| image = Lottie Pickford by Witzel.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption = Pickford, c. 1920
| birth_name = Charlotte Smith
| birth_name = Charlotte Smith
| birth_date = {{birth date|1893|06|09|mf=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1893|06|09|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
| birth_place = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| death_date = {{death date and age|1936|12|09|1893|06|09|mf=yes}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1936|12|09|1893|06|09|mf=yes}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| resting_place = [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale]]
| resting_place = [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale]]
| nationality =
| nationality =
| other_names = Lottie Pickford Forrest
| other_names = Lottie Pickford Forrest
| citizenship =
| citizenship =
| occupation = Actress
| occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1909–1925
| years_active = 1900–1925
| known_for =
| known_for =
| spouse = {{marriage|Alfred Rupp|1915|1920|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|[[Allan Forrest]]|1922|1928|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|Russel O. Gillard|1929|1933|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|John William Lock|1933}}
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Alfred Rupp|1915|1920|end=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Allan Forrest]]|1922|1927|end=div}}
* {{marriage|Russel O. Gillard|1929|1933|end=div}}
* {{marriage|John William Lock|1933}}
}}
| children = 1
| parents = [[Charlotte Hennessy]]<br>John Charles Smith
| children = 1
| mother = John Charles Smith and [[Charlotte Hennessy]]
| relatives = [[Mary Pickford]] <small>(sister)</small><br>[[Jack Pickford]] <small>(brother)</small>
| relatives = [[Mary Pickford]] (sister)<br>[[Jack Pickford]] (brother)
}}
}}


'''Lottie Pickford''' (born '''Charlotte Smith'''; June 9, 1893 – December 9, 1936) was a Canadian-born [[silent film]] actress and [[socialite]]. She was the younger sister of fellow actress [[Mary Pickford]] and elder sister of actor [[Jack Pickford]].
'''Charlotte Smith''' (June 9, 1893 – December 9, 1936), known professionally as '''Lottie Pickford''', was a Canadian-American [[silent film]] actress and [[socialite]]. She was the younger sister of fellow actress [[Mary Pickford]] and elder sister of actor [[Jack Pickford]].


One of her best known roles was in ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]'' directed by [[William Desmond Taylor]] in 1915. Pickford's career often is overshadowed by that of her siblings and though she was a notable figure in the 1920s, her films and role in the Pickford acting family largely are forgotten.
One of her best known roles was in ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]'' directed by [[William Desmond Taylor]] in 1915. Pickford's career often is overshadowed by that of her siblings and though she was a notable figure in the 1920s, her films and role in the Pickford acting family largely are forgotten.


==Early years==
==Early years==
She was born to John Charles Smith and [[Charlotte Hennessy]]. Pickford was named for her mother.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=8}}</ref> She was the middle child, born a year and two months after her sister [[Mary Pickford|Gladys Smith]] and three years before her brother [[Jack Pickford|John Charles Smith, called Jack]]. She quickly became her father's favorite, much to her sister's annoyance.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 14">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=14}}</ref> After mistakenly believing she was a boy when first born, her father lovingly gave her the boyish nickname Chuckie.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 14"/>
Born to John Charles Smith and [[Charlotte Hennessy]], Lottie Pickford was named for her mother.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=8}}</ref> She was the middle child, born a year and two months after her sister [[Mary Pickford|Gladys Smith]] and three years before her brother [[Jack Pickford|John Charles Smith]], who was known as Jack. She quickly became her father's favorite, much to her sister's annoyance.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 14">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=14}}</ref> After mistakenly believing she was a boy when first born, her father lovingly gave her the boyish nickname Chuckie.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 14"/> Their father, John Charles Smith, died in 1898 and eldest sibling Gladys took on responsibilities. Lottie and Jack became extremely close, banding together against Gladys, whom they saw as strict.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=18}}</ref> Lottie idolized her brother Jack, and they remained close throughout their lifetimes.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=42}}</ref> Despite her sometimes tense relationship with her sister, Lottie was protective of her, and once jumped on [[D. W. Griffith]] to defend her sister during a heated argument with the director.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|pp=95–96}}</ref>


Pickford's father left the family while she was young, and her sister Gladys took on responsibilities. Lottie and Jack became extremely close, banding together against Gladys, whom they saw as strict.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=18}}</ref> Lottie idolized her brother Jack, and they remained close throughout their lifetimes.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=42}}</ref> Despite her tense relationship with her sister, Lottie was protective of her, and once jumped on [[D.W. Griffith]] to defend her sister during a heated argument with the director.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|pp=95–96}}</ref>
In need of extra income, the family began to act. On January 8, 1900, Gladys and Lottie appeared in ''The Silver King''. Lottie either was offered a lesser sum than her sister or was part of a packaged deal.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=22}}</ref> The family eventually moved to New York City where they all acted in various productions, sometimes together, sometimes not. At one point, Lottie and Gladys had to travel on their own for one production.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42"/> Of the family, Gladys was the breakout star. Her family members usually were attached to her as a contractual stipulation.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42"/><ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=62}}</ref> After she started in films, Gladys took the name [[Mary Pickford]]. Lottie and Jack also took the surname Pickford in their acting careers. Mary was influential in getting her siblings on the payroll after she started acting in films.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=82}}</ref>

In need of extra income, the family began to act. On January 8, 1900, Gladys and Lottie appeared in ''The Silver King''. Lottie either was offered a lesser sum than her sister or was part of a packaged deal.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=22}}</ref> The family eventually moved to New York City where they all acted in various productions, sometimes together, sometimes not. At one point, Lottie and Gladys had to travel on their own for one production.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42"/>

Of the family, Gladys was the breakout star. Her family members usually were attached to her as a contractual stipulation.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 42"/><ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=62}}</ref> After she started in films, Gladys took the name [[Mary Pickford]]. Lottie and Jack also took the surname Pickford in their acting careers. Mary was influential in getting her siblings on the payroll after she started acting in films.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=82}}</ref>


==Film career==
==Film career==
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[[File:House of Bondage poster.jpg|thumb|''[[The House of Bondage]]'' (1914) poster]]
[[File:House of Bondage poster.jpg|thumb|''[[The House of Bondage]]'' (1914) poster]]
{{external media
| float = right
| width = 220px
| image1 = [https://calisphere.org/clip/500x500/3d970d4a04fb81a2cfd7962548d7147d ''Lottie Pickford'', Witzel Studios, L.A. (1909-1929)]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://calisphere.org/item/0ce0b5de944874298ad7e09f0f012002/|title=Lottie Pickford|author=|date=|website=Calisphere|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/witzel-studios|title=Witzel Studios|author=|date=|website=National Portrait Gallery|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1031135837323505664.html|title=Let's look back at the pioneering work of Albert Witzel, photographer to the Hollywood stars of the silent age|author=PulpLibrarian|date=|website=threadreaderapp.com|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://historicalzg.piwigo.com/index?/category/113-albert_w_witzel_profile_david_members_only|title=Albert Witzel|author=David S. Shields|date=1 November 2009|website=Historical Ziegfeld Group|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref>
| image2 =[https://www.historyforsale.com/productimages/jpeg/171572.jpg ''Lottie Pickford'', Witzel Studios, L.A. (signed: "Sincerely Lottie Pickford")]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historyforsale.com/lottie-pickford-photograph-signed/dc171572|title=Lottie Pickford - Photograph Signed|author=|date=|website=HistoryForSale|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Souvenir Postcards and the Development of the Star System, 1912-1914|first=Q. David|last=Bowers|date=25 August 1989|publisher=|journal=Film History|volume=3|issue=1|pages=39–45|jstor = 3815078}}</ref>
| image3 =[https://www.historyforsale.com/productimages/jpeg/171543.jpg Typed Letter Signed 06/18/1915]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historyforsale.com/lottie-pickford-typed-letter-signed-06-18-1915/dc171543|title=Typed Letter Signed 06/18/1915|author=|date=|website=HistoryForSale|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref>
| image4 =[https://historicalzg.piwigo.com/_datas/r/g/e/rge5ew6d3t/i/uploads/r/g/e/rge5ew6d3t//2013/09/07/20130907190552-4b740aeb-me.jpg ''Lottie Pickford'', Green Book Magazine, August 1916]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://historicalzg.piwigo.com/picture?/27256/categories|title=''Lottie Pickford'' (White, N.Y.) Green Book Magazine, August 1916|author=|date=|website=Historical Ziegfeld Group|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref>
| image5 =[https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/1216/06/autographed-photograph-signed-lottie_1_bfb245263dfbe1874dee467d85449e6c.jpg ''Lottie Pickford'', Witzel Studios, L.A. (signed: "Sincerely Lottie Pickford")]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/autographed-photograph-signed-lottie-1843852174|title=Autographed Photograph Signed by Lottie Pickford, Witzel photo|author=|date=|website=Worthpoint|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWdYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA19-PA32&lpg=RA19-PA32&dq=Witzel|title=The American Stationer|author=|date=1917|publisher=Howard Lockwood|accessdate=25 August 2018|via=Google Books|quote=Volume 81 - Page 32}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LicdAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA8-PA32&lpg=RA8-PA32&dq=Witzel|title=American Stationer and Office Manager|author=|date=1917|publisher=Howard Lockwood|accessdate=25 August 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref>
| image6 =[https://www.freewebs.com/looking-for-mabel/photos/2016-Photo-Album/04%20mary%20grandmother%20Lottie%20Alan.jpg Mary Miles Minter's grandmother, Mary Miles Minter, Lottie Pickford, and Alan Forrest]
| image7 =[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk9WWvbW0AEShk9.jpg]
| image8 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/220pxlottiepickfords.jpg]
| image9 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/3264fd208af10d99a2c5.jpg]
| image10 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/mw8l.jpg]
| image11 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/pickfordl3.jpg]
| image12 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/index_1507459494.jpg]
| image13 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/a81a8355a2b2222407a5.jpg]
| image14 =[https://www.westernmovies.fr/image/2017/2473/171572.jpg]
| video1 =[https://filmdialogueone.wordpress.com/tag/lottie-pickford/ Lottie Pickford] [[Public domain|PD films]]
}}

Between 1909 and 1910, Mary made eighty shorts, Jack made twenty-eight, and Lottie made twenty-five.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 89">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=89}}</ref> Of the three Pickfords, Lottie's talents were considered the weakest.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} Actress [[Linda Arvidson]] said Mary had claimed her sister was not pretty enough for films, and had done her best to keep her away from Biograph.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 89"/> When the Biograph Company departed for California, Lottie Pickford and her mother were left behind. She would eventually join her sister in California.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=110}}</ref>
Between 1909 and 1910, Mary made eighty shorts, Jack made twenty-eight, and Lottie made twenty-five.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 89">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=89}}</ref> Of the three Pickfords, Lottie's talents were considered the weakest.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} Actress [[Linda Arvidson]] said Mary had claimed her sister was not pretty enough for films, and had done her best to keep her away from Biograph.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 89"/> When the Biograph Company departed for California, Lottie Pickford and her mother were left behind. She would eventually join her sister in California.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=110}}</ref>


Away from her elder sister, Pickford's first starring role came in 1914 in ''The House of Bondage''. It was a vice film, with Pickford's playing a prostitute, in stark contrast to her sister's image as "America's Sweetheart". The film did not receive good reviews, being considered too crude.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 171">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=171}}</ref> In 1915, Pickford appeared in ''[[Fanchon the Cricket|Fanchon, the Cricket]]'', opposite both her siblings. It is the only film in which all three Pickford siblings appear. It was thought [[Lost film|lost]] until rediscovered in the 20th century at the British Film Institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silentsaregolden.com/articles/lostfilmsarticle.html|title=The Lost Film Files|last=Cade|first=Mary Ann|publisher=silentsaregolden.com|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
Away from her elder sister, Pickford's first starring role came in 1914 in ''The House of Bondage''. It was a vice film, with Pickford playing a prostitute, in stark contrast to her sister's image as "America's Sweetheart". The film did not receive good reviews, being considered too crude.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 171">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=171}}</ref> In 1915, Pickford appeared in ''[[Fanchon the Cricket|Fanchon, the Cricket]]'', opposite both her siblings. It is the only film in which all three Pickford siblings appear. It was thought [[Lost film|lost]] until rediscovered in the 20th century at the British Film Institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silentsaregolden.com/articles/lostfilmsarticle.html|title=The Lost Film Files|last=Cade|first=Mary Ann|publisher=silentsaregolden.com|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>


Pickford starred in ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]'' [[Serial film|serial]] (1915) although, to her humiliation, she was only given the role after Mary turned it down. A ''[[Photoplay]]'' article from around the time of the release declared her "Pickford the Second!" and compared her to her sister, albeit as a worthy sequel.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 171"/> The serial was jeopardized when she became pregnant. This incident put her on the unofficial Hollywood [[blacklist]] for a short time.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 172">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=172}}</ref> Pickford performed in only five roles between 1915 and 1918, when she took a break from acting.
Pickford starred in ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]'' [[Serial film|serial]] (1915) although, to her humiliation, she was only given the role after Mary turned it down. A ''[[Photoplay]]'' article from around the time of the release declared her "Pickford the Second!" and compared her to her sister, albeit as a worthy sequel.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 171"/> The serial was jeopardized when she became pregnant. This incident put her on the unofficial Hollywood [[blacklist]] for a short time.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 172">{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=172}}</ref> Pickford performed in only five roles between 1915 and 1918, when she took a break from acting.
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===Marriages===
===Marriages===
[[File:Fairbanks & Pickford 1921.jpg|thumb|[[Douglas Fairbanks|Fairbanks]], Mary Pickford Rupp (daughter of Lottie Pickford) and [[Mary Pickford]]. December 1921 [[Photoplay]], Page 80.]]
[[File:Fairbanks & Pickford 1921.jpg|thumb|[[Douglas Fairbanks|Fairbanks]], Mary Pickford Rupp (daughter of Lottie Pickford) and [[Mary Pickford]]. December 1921 [[Photoplay]], Page 80.]]
On an unknown date in 1915, before the release of ''The Diamond from the Sky'', Pickford quietly married New York broker Alfred Rupp. The couple had a daughter in 1915, Mary Pickford Rupp (1915-1984), who later was renamed Gwynne Rupp.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 172"/> The couple separated in 1919 and divorced the following year.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=188}}</ref> For unknown reasons, Pickford allowed her mother Charlotte to legally adopt her daughter, who was renamed Gwynne in 1920. Pickford did not comment to the press on the matter, other than to say she never would marry again.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 222"/> Gwynne lived with her grandmother until Charlotte, Sr.'s death in 1928. At that time, Gwynne's aunt Mary Pickford took custody of her. This arrangement lasted until Gwynne married radio announcer Hugh "Bud" Ernst in June 1939.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R40vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6tsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4420,3531022&dq=gwynne+pickford+ernst&hl=en|title=Niece of Mary Pickford Weds Radio Announcer|date=June 1, 1939|work=Ottawa Citizen|page=23|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
On an unknown date in 1915, before the release of ''The Diamond from the Sky'', Pickford quietly married New York broker Alfred Rupp. The couple had a daughter in 1915, Mary Pickford Rupp (1915-1984), who later was renamed Gwynne Rupp.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 172"/> The couple separated in 1919 and divorced the following year.<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|p=188}}</ref> For unknown reasons, Pickford allowed her mother Charlotte to legally adopt her daughter, who was renamed Gwynne in 1920. Pickford did not comment to the press on the matter, other than to say she never would marry again.<ref name="Whitfield, Eileen page 222"/> Gwynne lived with her grandmother until Charlotte, Sr.'s death in 1928. At that time, Gwynne's aunt, Mary Pickford, took custody of her. This arrangement lasted until Gwynne married radio announcer Hugh "Bud" Ernst in June 1939.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R40vAAAAIBAJ&pg=4420,3531022&dq=gwynne+pickford+ernst&hl=en|title=Niece of Mary Pickford Weds Radio Announcer|date=June 1, 1939|work=Ottawa Citizen|page=23|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>


Lottie Pickford did marry again, to actor [[Allan Forrest]], in January 1922.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lottie Pickford To Wed For Second Time Tonight|date=January 7, 1922|work=The Baltimore Sun|page=2}}</ref> She obtained a divorce from Forrest in Paris in 1927.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WqQhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=65kFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5420,2878170&dq=lottie+pickford+allan+forrest&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford Divorced|date=February 16, 1928|work=Reading Eagle|page=4|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
Lottie Pickford did marry again, to actor [[Allan Forrest]], in January 1922.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lottie Pickford To Wed For Second Time Tonight|date=January 7, 1922|work=The Baltimore Sun|page=2}}</ref> She obtained a divorce from Forrest in Paris in 1927.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WqQhAAAAIBAJ&pg=5420,2878170&dq=lottie+pickford+allan+forrest&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford Divorced|date=February 16, 1928|work=Reading Eagle|page=4|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
On July 22, 1929, she married Russel O. Gillard, an undertaker from Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v0cwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aKYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3423,1863875&dq=lottie+pickford+russel+o+gillard&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford on Third Honeymoon|date=July 24, 1929|work=Berkeley Daily Gazette|page=7|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref> They divorced in February 1933 on charges of "extreme cruelty" by her husband.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lottie Pickford Obtains Divorce|date=February 17, 1933|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name=Cruelty>{{cite news|title=Mary's Sister Is Given Divorce|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19330217&id=3v8MAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YGkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3410,2401253&hl=en|accessdate=2 May 2015|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=17 February 1933}}</ref> Later that year, Pickford married a Pittsburgh society man named John William Lock. They remained married until her early death in 1936.<ref name="evening">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8Q1QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lFUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2797,2890149&dq=lottie+pickford+john+lock&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford Dies After Lengthy Illness|date=December 10, 1936|work=The Evening Independent|page=1|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>
On July 22, 1929, she married Russel O. Gillard, an undertaker from Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v0cwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3423,1863875&dq=lottie+pickford+russel+o+gillard&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford on Third Honeymoon|date=July 24, 1929|work=Berkeley Daily Gazette|page=7|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref> They divorced in February 1933 on charges of "extreme cruelty" by her husband.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lottie Pickford Obtains Divorce|date=February 17, 1933|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name=Cruelty>{{cite news|title=Mary's Sister Is Given Divorce|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19330217&id=3v8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3410,2401253&hl=en|accessdate=2 May 2015|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=17 February 1933}}</ref> Later that year, Pickford married a Pittsburgh society man named John William Lock. They remained married until her early death in 1936.<ref name="evening">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8Q1QAAAAIBAJ&pg=2797,2890149&dq=lottie+pickford+john+lock&hl=en|title=Lottie Pickford Dies After Lengthy Illness|date=December 10, 1936|work=The Evening Independent|page=1|accessdate=February 4, 2013}}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
On December 6, 1936, Pickford suffered a heart attack at the age of 43. She was said to have been in failing health for three years, related to alcohol abuse. She died at her home in Beverly Hills.<ref name="evening" /> Her funeral was held on December 13 at Wee Kirk o' the Heather Church in Glendale, California.<ref>{{cite news|title=ASSOCIATES AT RITES FOR LOTTIE PICKFORD; More Than 150 Friends Gather at Wee Kirk o' the Heather for Funeral in Hollywood|date=December 13, 1936|work=The New York Times}}</ref> She is buried in the Pickford family plot in [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale|Forest Lawn Cemetery]].<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|pp=305–307}}</ref>
On December 9, 1936, Pickford suffered a heart attack at the age of 43. She was said to have been in failing health for three years, related to alcohol abuse. She died at her home in Beverly Hills.<ref name="evening" /> Her funeral was held on December 13 at Wee Kirk o' the Heather Church in Glendale, California.<ref>{{cite news|title=ASSOCIATES AT RITES FOR LOTTIE PICKFORD; More Than 150 Friends Gather at Wee Kirk o' the Heather for Funeral in Hollywood|date=December 13, 1936|work=The New York Times}}</ref> She is buried in the Pickford family plot in [[Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale|Forest Lawn Cemetery]].<ref>{{harv|Whitfield|1997|pp=305–307}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Key
|-
| style="background:#ffc;"| {{dagger|alt=Denotes lost film}}
| Denotes a [[lost film|lost]] or presumed lost film.
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;"
! colspan=5 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Short Subject
|- align="center"
! Year
! Year
! Title
! Film
! Role
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1909 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''[[Two Memories]]'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1909
| ''[[Two Memories]]''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Faded Lilies, The" | ''The Faded Lilies'' || ||
| 1909
| ''The Faded Lilies''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Necklace, The" | ''The Necklace'' || ||
| 1909
| ''The Necklace''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Cardinal's Conspiracy, The" | ''The Cardinal's Conspiracy'' || The Princess' Servant || Unconfirmed
| 1909
| ''The Cardinal's Conspiracy''
| The Princess' Servant (unconfirmed)
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''Tender Hearts'' || Nellie's Friend ||
| 1909
| ''Tender Hearts''
| Nellie's Friend
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Slave, The" | ''The Slave'' || A Dancer ||
| 1909
| ''The Slave''
| A Dancer
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Strange Meeting, A" | ''A Strange Meeting'' || At Party ||
| 1909
| ''A Strange Meeting''
| At Party
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Better Way, The" | ''The Better Way'' || Puritan ||
| 1909
| ''The Better Way''
| Puritan
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Indian Runner's Romance, The" | ''The Indian Runner's Romance'' || Indian || Unconfirmed
| 1909
| ''The Indian Runner's Romance''
| Indian (unconfirmed)
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Little Darling, The" | ''The Little Darling'' || ||
| 1909
| ''The Little Darling''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Hessian Renegades, The" | ''[[The Hessian Renegades]]'' || ||
| 1909
| ''[[The Hessian Renegades]]''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''[[Getting Even (1909 film)|Getting Even]]'' || Party Guest ||
| 1909
| ''[[Getting Even (1909 film)|Getting Even]]''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Broken Locket, The" | ''The Broken Locket'' || ||
| 1909
| ''The Broken Locket''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''[[His Lost Love]]'' || At Wedding ||
| 1909
| ''[[His Lost Love]]''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''What's Your Hurry?'' || ||
| 1909
| ''What's Your Hurry?''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Light That Came, The" | ''The Light That Came'' || ||
| 1909
| ''The Light That Came''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''In the Window Recess'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1909
| ''In the Window Recess''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''Through the Breakers'' || At the Ball ||
| 1909
| ''Through the Breakers''
| At the Ball
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Red Man's View, The" | ''[[The Red Man's View]]'' || Minnewanna ||
| 1909
| ''[[The Red Man's View]]''
| Minnewanna
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || data-sort-value="Test, The" | ''The Test'' || A Maid || Unconfirmed
| 1909
| ''The Test''
| A Maid (unconfirmed)
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1909 || ''[[To Save Her Soul]]'' || ||
| 1909
| ''[[To Save Her Soul]]''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Woman from Mellon's, The" | ''The Woman from Mellon's'' || Young Woman || Unconfirmed
| 1910
| ''The Woman from Mellon's''
| Young Woman (unconfirmed)
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Newlyweds, The" | ''The Newlyweds'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''The Newlyweds''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Smoker, The" | ''The Smoker'' || ||
| 1910
| ''The Smoker''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Tenderfoot's Triumph, The" | ''The Tenderfoot's Triumph'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''The Tenderfoot's Triumph''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Knot in the Plot, A" | ''A Knot in the Plot'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''A Knot in the Plot''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Victim of Jealousy, A" | ''A Victim of Jealousy'' || ||
| 1910
| ''A Victim of Jealousy''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || ''Serious Sixteen'' || ||
| 1910
| ''Serious Sixteen''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Call to Arms, The" | ''The Call to Arms'' || ||
| 1910
| ''The Call to Arms''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || ''Unexpected Help'' || ||
| 1910
| ''Unexpected Help''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Affair of an Egg, The" | ''The Affair of an Egg'' || ||
| 1910
| ''The Affair of an Egg''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Summer Idyll, A" | ''A Summer Idyll'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''A Summer Idyll''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''You Saved My Life'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''The Oath and the Man''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Oath and the Man, The" | ''The Oath and the Man'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''Examination Day at School''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || ''Examination Day at School'' || ||
| 1910
| ''A Gold Necklace''
| Nellie
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || data-sort-value="Gold Necklace, A" | ''A Gold Necklace'' || Nellie ||
| 1910
| ''The Broken Doll''
| Townswoman
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Broken Doll, The" | ''The Broken Doll'' {{dagger}} || Townswoman ||
| 1910
| ''Two Little Waifs''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Two Little Waifs'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''Simple Charity''
| In hallway
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || ''Simple Charity'' || In Hallway ||
| 1910
| ''A Plain Song''
| Storemate
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Plain Song, A" | ''A Plain Song'' {{dagger}} || Storemate ||
| 1910
| ''A Child's Stratagem''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Child's Stratagem, A" | ''A Child's Stratagem'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1910
| ''Happy Jack, a Hero''
| A hero
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || ''Happy Jack, a Hero'' || At Party ||
| 1910
| ''The Golden Supper''
| Flower girl
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Golden Supper, The" | ''The Golden Supper'' {{dagger}} || Flower Girl ||
| 1910
| ''His Sister-In-Law''
| Eva
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''His Sister-In-Law'' {{dagger}} || Eva ||
| 1910
| ''White Roses''
| At party
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1910 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''White Roses'' {{dagger}} || At Party ||

|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Two Paths, The" | ''The Two Paths'' || At Party ||
| 1911
| ''The Two Paths''
| At party
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Italian Barber, The" | ''[[The Italian Barber]]'' || At Ball ||
| 1911
| ''[[The Italian Barber]]''
| At ball
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Midnight Marauder, The" | ''The Midnight Marauder'' || Mrs. Henry Blowhard ||
| 1911
| ''The Midnight Marauder''
| Mrs. Henry Blowhard
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Help Wanted'' {{dagger}} || In Corridor ||
| 1911
| ''Help Wanted''
| In Corridor
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || ''[[His Trust]]'' || Woman at Farewell ||
| 1911
| ''[[His Trust]]''
| Woman at farewell
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Dream, The" | ''[[The Dream (1911 film)|The Dream]]'' || Bess - the Typewriter || Uncredited
| 1911
| ''[[The Dream (1911 film)|The Dream]]''
|
| Short film<br>Uncredited
|-
|-
| 1911 || ''Fate's Turning'' || ||
| 1911
| ''Fate's Turning''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Wreath of Orange Blossoms, A" | ''A Wreath of Orange Blossoms'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1911
| ''A Wreath of Orange Blossoms''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Three Sisters'' {{dagger}} || At Dancing Academy ||
| 1911
| ''Three Sisters''
| At Dancing Academy
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || ''[[Sweet Memories (film)|Sweet Memories]]'' || Young Lettie Terrell ||
| 1911
| ''[[Sweet Memories]]''
| Young Lettie Terrell
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Lighthouse Keeper, The" | ''The Lighthouse Keeper'' || Wedding Guest || Uncredited
| 1911
| ''The Lighthouse Keeper''
| Wedding Guest
| Short film<br>Uncredited
|-
|-
| 1911 || data-sort-value="Toss of a Coin, The" | ''The Toss of a Coin'' || ||
| 1911
| ''The Toss of a Coin''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Who's Who'' {{dagger}} || Georgia ||
| 1911
| ''Who's Who''
| Georgia
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Courting of Mary, The" | ''The Courting of Mary'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1911
| ''The Courting of Mary''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || ''Love at Gloucester Port'' || Alice Newall ||
| 1911
| ''Love at Gloucester Port''
| Alice Newall
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1911 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Little Red Riding Hood'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1911
| ''Little Red Riding Hood''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || ''Love Finds the Way'' || Margaret Durand - Jack's Sweetheart ||
| 1912
| ''Love Finds the Way''
| Margaret Durand - Jack's Sweetheart
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Belle of New Orleans, The" | ''The Belle of New Orleans'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1912
| ''The Belle of New Orleans''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || ''Rescued by Wireless'' || Grace Langton || Credited as Lottie Smith
| 1912
| ''A Mardi Gras Mix-Up''
| Paul's wife
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Mardi Gras Mix-Up, A" | ''A Mardi Gras Mix-Up'' {{dagger}} || Paul's wife ||
| 1912
| ''The Pilgrimage''
| Gretchen
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Pilgrimage, The" | ''The Pilgrimage'' {{dagger}} || Gretchen ||
| 1912
| ''[[A Beast at Bay]]''
| Unconfirmed role
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || data-sort-value="Beast at Bay, A" | ''[[A Beast at Bay]]'' || Unconfirmed role ||
| 1912
| ''Into the Jungle''
| Mary
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || ''Into the Jungle'' || Mary ||
| 1912
| ''The Girl Strikers''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Girl Strikers, The" | ''The Girl Strikers'' {{dagger}} || Ann ||
| 1912
| ''Lena and the Geese''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || ''Lena and the Geese'' || ||
| 1912
| ''Love's Diary''
| Kate Morgan - the Stenographer
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Love's Diary'' {{dagger}} || Kate Morgan - the Stenographer ||
| 1912
| ''A Child's Remorse''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1912 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Child's Remorse, A" | ''A Child's Remorse'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1913
| ''When a Girl Loves''
| Betty
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1913 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''When a Girl Loves'' {{dagger}} || Betty ||
| 1913
| ''For Old Time's Sake''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1913 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''For Old Time's Sake'' {{dagger}} || ||
| 1913
| ''Granny''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1913 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''Granny'' {{dagger}} || Eileen - an Orphan ||
| 1914
| ''[[The House of Bondage]]''
| Mary Denbigh
|
|-
|-
| 1915
| 1915 || ''Curly'' || ||
| ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]''
| Esther Stanley, the Gypsy Heroine
| Lost film
|-
|-
|}
| 1915

| ''[[Fanchon the Cricket|Fanchon, the Cricket]]''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;"
| Madelon
|- align="center"
|
! colspan=5 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
|- align="center"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1914 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="House of Bondage, The" | ''[[The House of Bondage]]'' {{dagger}} || Mary Denbigh ||
| 1915
| ''Curly''
|
| Short film
|-
|-
| 1915 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Diamond from the Sky, The" | ''[[The Diamond from the Sky]]'' {{dagger}} || Esther Stanley, the Gypsy Heroine ||
| 1916
| ''[[The Reward of Patience]]''
| Edith Penfield
|
|-
|-
| 1915 || ''[[Fanchon the Cricket|Fanchon, the Cricket]]'' || Madelon || '''Incomplete''' film, 3 1/2 of 5 films survive
| 1917
| ''[[On the Level (film)|On the Level]]''
| Eleanore Duke
|
|-
|-
| 1916 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Reward of Patience, The" | ''[[The Reward of Patience]]'' {{dagger}} || Edith Penfield ||
| 1918
| ''[[Mile-a-Minute Kendall]]''
| Rosalynde d'Aubre
|
|-
|-
| 1917 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''[[On the Level (1917 film)|On the Level]]'' {{dagger}} || Eleanore Duke ||
| 1918
| ''[[The Man from Funeral Range]]''
| Dixie
|
|-
|-
| 1918 || style="background:#ffc;" | ''[[Mile-a-Minute Kendall]]'' {{dagger}} || Rosalynde d'Aubre ||
| 1921
| ''[[They Shall Pay]]''
| Margaret Seldon
|
|-
|-
| 1918 || style="background:#ffc;" data-sort-value="Man from Funeral Range, The" | ''[[The Man from Funeral Range]]'' {{dagger}} || Dixie ||
| 1924
| ''[[Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall (film)|Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall]]''
| Jennie Faxton
| Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest
|-
|-
| 1921 || ''[[They Shall Pay]]'' || Margaret Seldon ||
| 1925
|-
| ''[[Don Q, Son of Zorro]]''
| 1924 || ''[[Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall (film)|Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall]]'' || Jennie Faxton || Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest
| Lola
|-
| Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest
| 1925 || ''[[Don Q, Son of Zorro]]'' || Lola || Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 519: Line 270:


===References===
===References===
* Whitfield, Eileen. (1997). ''Pickford, The Woman Who Made Hollywood''. University Press of Kentucky. {{ISBN|0-813-12045-4}}
* {{cite book | last=Whitfield | first=Eileen | title=Pickford, The Woman Who Made Hollywood | publisher=Lexington : University Press of Kentucky | publication-place=Lexington, Ky | date=1997 | isbn=0-8131-2045-4}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | author=Michael G. Ankerich | author-link=Michael G. Ankerich | title=Hairpins and Dead Ends: The Perilous Journeys of 25 Actresses Through Early Hollywood| publisher=BearManor | year=2017 | isbn=978-1-62933-201-7}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 534: Line 288:
[[Category:1936 deaths]]
[[Category:1936 deaths]]
[[Category:Actresses from Toronto]]
[[Category:Actresses from Toronto]]
[[Category:Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)]]
[[Category:Canadian film actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian film actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian silent film actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian silent film actresses]]
Line 539: Line 294:
[[Category:Canadian people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Canadian expatriate actresses in the United States]]
[[Category:Canadian expatriate actresses in the United States]]
[[Category:Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)]]
[[Category:People from Old Toronto]]
[[Category:20th-century Canadian actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century Canadian actresses]]

Latest revision as of 19:43, 27 May 2024

Lottie Pickford
Pickford, c. 1920
Born
Charlotte Smith

(1893-06-09)June 9, 1893
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
DiedDecember 9, 1936(1936-12-09) (aged 43)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Other namesLottie Pickford Forrest
OccupationActress
Years active1900–1925
Spouses
Alfred Rupp
​
​
(m. 1915; div. 1920)​
​
​
(m. 1922; div. 1927)​
Russel O. Gillard
​
​
(m. 1929; div. 1933)​
John William Lock
​
(m. 1933)​
Children1
MotherJohn Charles Smith and Charlotte Hennessy
RelativesMary Pickford (sister)
Jack Pickford (brother)

Charlotte Smith (June 9, 1893 – December 9, 1936), known professionally as Lottie Pickford, was a Canadian-American silent film actress and socialite. She was the younger sister of fellow actress Mary Pickford and elder sister of actor Jack Pickford.

One of her best known roles was in The Diamond from the Sky directed by William Desmond Taylor in 1915. Pickford's career often is overshadowed by that of her siblings and though she was a notable figure in the 1920s, her films and role in the Pickford acting family largely are forgotten.

Early years

[edit]

Born to John Charles Smith and Charlotte Hennessy, Lottie Pickford was named for her mother.[1] She was the middle child, born a year and two months after her sister Gladys Smith and three years before her brother John Charles Smith, who was known as Jack. She quickly became her father's favorite, much to her sister's annoyance.[2] After mistakenly believing she was a boy when first born, her father lovingly gave her the boyish nickname Chuckie.[2] Their father, John Charles Smith, died in 1898 and eldest sibling Gladys took on responsibilities. Lottie and Jack became extremely close, banding together against Gladys, whom they saw as strict.[3] Lottie idolized her brother Jack, and they remained close throughout their lifetimes.[4] Despite her sometimes tense relationship with her sister, Lottie was protective of her, and once jumped on D. W. Griffith to defend her sister during a heated argument with the director.[5]

In need of extra income, the family began to act. On January 8, 1900, Gladys and Lottie appeared in The Silver King. Lottie either was offered a lesser sum than her sister or was part of a packaged deal.[6] The family eventually moved to New York City where they all acted in various productions, sometimes together, sometimes not. At one point, Lottie and Gladys had to travel on their own for one production.[4] Of the family, Gladys was the breakout star. Her family members usually were attached to her as a contractual stipulation.[4][7] After she started in films, Gladys took the name Mary Pickford. Lottie and Jack also took the surname Pickford in their acting careers. Mary was influential in getting her siblings on the payroll after she started acting in films.[8]

Film career

[edit]

In 1907, Mary adopted the stage name Mary Pickford. The rest of the family adopted the Pickford name by the time they began appearing in films. Mary signed with D.W. Griffith's Biograph Company in 1909 and secured work for her siblings.

The House of Bondage (1914) poster

Between 1909 and 1910, Mary made eighty shorts, Jack made twenty-eight, and Lottie made twenty-five.[9] Of the three Pickfords, Lottie's talents were considered the weakest.[citation needed] Actress Linda Arvidson said Mary had claimed her sister was not pretty enough for films, and had done her best to keep her away from Biograph.[9] When the Biograph Company departed for California, Lottie Pickford and her mother were left behind. She would eventually join her sister in California.[10]

Away from her elder sister, Pickford's first starring role came in 1914 in The House of Bondage. It was a vice film, with Pickford playing a prostitute, in stark contrast to her sister's image as "America's Sweetheart". The film did not receive good reviews, being considered too crude.[11] In 1915, Pickford appeared in Fanchon, the Cricket, opposite both her siblings. It is the only film in which all three Pickford siblings appear. It was thought lost until rediscovered in the 20th century at the British Film Institute.[12]

Pickford starred in The Diamond from the Sky serial (1915) although, to her humiliation, she was only given the role after Mary turned it down. A Photoplay article from around the time of the release declared her "Pickford the Second!" and compared her to her sister, albeit as a worthy sequel.[11] The serial was jeopardized when she became pregnant. This incident put her on the unofficial Hollywood blacklist for a short time.[13] Pickford performed in only five roles between 1915 and 1918, when she took a break from acting.

After divorcing her first husband, Pickford next starred in 1921's They Shall Pay which co-starred Allan Forrest, her future husband. Pickford again took several years' time off from acting before returning in a minor role in the 1924 film Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall.[14] Her final role was opposite her brother-in-law Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in Don Q Son of Zorro in 1925. During her career, Pickford starred in eight features, and her brother starred in over 40 features.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

Pickford was a socialite and partying was her first love. She and her brother Jack both struggled with alcoholism. Her parties were legendary and lasted until morning with plentiful drugs and alcohol and nudity. Pickford's maid recalled that when they heard Mary's car pulling in, Pickford and her friends would "Jump into their knickers!"[13] Despite her reputation as a party girl, Pickford was considered to be down to earth, friendly, sweet, and unpretentious.[16]

Marriages

[edit]
Fairbanks, Mary Pickford Rupp (daughter of Lottie Pickford) and Mary Pickford. December 1921 Photoplay, Page 80.

On an unknown date in 1915, before the release of The Diamond from the Sky, Pickford quietly married New York broker Alfred Rupp. The couple had a daughter in 1915, Mary Pickford Rupp (1915-1984), who later was renamed Gwynne Rupp.[13] The couple separated in 1919 and divorced the following year.[17] For unknown reasons, Pickford allowed her mother Charlotte to legally adopt her daughter, who was renamed Gwynne in 1920. Pickford did not comment to the press on the matter, other than to say she never would marry again.[16] Gwynne lived with her grandmother until Charlotte, Sr.'s death in 1928. At that time, Gwynne's aunt, Mary Pickford, took custody of her. This arrangement lasted until Gwynne married radio announcer Hugh "Bud" Ernst in June 1939.[18]

Lottie Pickford did marry again, to actor Allan Forrest, in January 1922.[19] She obtained a divorce from Forrest in Paris in 1927.[20] On July 22, 1929, she married Russel O. Gillard, an undertaker from Los Angeles.[21] They divorced in February 1933 on charges of "extreme cruelty" by her husband.[22][23] Later that year, Pickford married a Pittsburgh society man named John William Lock. They remained married until her early death in 1936.[24]

Death

[edit]

On December 9, 1936, Pickford suffered a heart attack at the age of 43. She was said to have been in failing health for three years, related to alcohol abuse. She died at her home in Beverly Hills.[24] Her funeral was held on December 13 at Wee Kirk o' the Heather Church in Glendale, California.[25] She is buried in the Pickford family plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery.[26]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes a lost or presumed lost film.
Short Subject
Year Film Role Notes
1909 Two Memories †
1909 The Faded Lilies
1909 The Necklace
1909 The Cardinal's Conspiracy The Princess' Servant Unconfirmed
1909 Tender Hearts Nellie's Friend
1909 The Slave A Dancer
1909 A Strange Meeting At Party
1909 The Better Way Puritan
1909 The Indian Runner's Romance Indian Unconfirmed
1909 The Little Darling
1909 The Hessian Renegades
1909 Getting Even Party Guest
1909 The Broken Locket
1909 His Lost Love At Wedding
1909 What's Your Hurry?
1909 The Light That Came
1909 In the Window Recess †
1909 Through the Breakers At the Ball
1909 The Red Man's View Minnewanna
1909 The Test A Maid Unconfirmed
1909 To Save Her Soul
1910 The Woman from Mellon's Young Woman Unconfirmed
1910 The Newlyweds †
1910 The Smoker
1910 The Tenderfoot's Triumph †
1910 A Knot in the Plot †
1910 A Victim of Jealousy
1910 Serious Sixteen
1910 The Call to Arms
1910 Unexpected Help
1910 The Affair of an Egg
1910 A Summer Idyll †
1910 You Saved My Life †
1910 The Oath and the Man †
1910 Examination Day at School
1910 A Gold Necklace Nellie
1910 The Broken Doll † Townswoman
1910 Two Little Waifs †
1910 Simple Charity In Hallway
1910 A Plain Song † Storemate
1910 A Child's Stratagem †
1910 Happy Jack, a Hero At Party
1910 The Golden Supper † Flower Girl
1910 His Sister-In-Law † Eva
1910 White Roses † At Party
1911 The Two Paths At Party
1911 The Italian Barber At Ball
1911 The Midnight Marauder Mrs. Henry Blowhard
1911 Help Wanted † In Corridor
1911 His Trust Woman at Farewell
1911 The Dream Bess - the Typewriter Uncredited
1911 Fate's Turning
1911 A Wreath of Orange Blossoms †
1911 Three Sisters † At Dancing Academy
1911 Sweet Memories Young Lettie Terrell
1911 The Lighthouse Keeper Wedding Guest Uncredited
1911 The Toss of a Coin
1911 Who's Who † Georgia
1911 The Courting of Mary †
1911 Love at Gloucester Port Alice Newall
1911 Little Red Riding Hood †
1912 Love Finds the Way Margaret Durand - Jack's Sweetheart
1912 The Belle of New Orleans †
1912 Rescued by Wireless Grace Langton Credited as Lottie Smith
1912 A Mardi Gras Mix-Up † Paul's wife
1912 The Pilgrimage † Gretchen
1912 A Beast at Bay Unconfirmed role
1912 Into the Jungle Mary
1912 The Girl Strikers † Ann
1912 Lena and the Geese
1912 Love's Diary † Kate Morgan - the Stenographer
1912 A Child's Remorse †
1913 When a Girl Loves † Betty
1913 For Old Time's Sake †
1913 Granny † Eileen - an Orphan
1915 Curly
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1914 The House of Bondage † Mary Denbigh
1915 The Diamond from the Sky † Esther Stanley, the Gypsy Heroine
1915 Fanchon, the Cricket Madelon Incomplete film, 3 1/2 of 5 films survive
1916 The Reward of Patience † Edith Penfield
1917 On the Level † Eleanore Duke
1918 Mile-a-Minute Kendall † Rosalynde d'Aubre
1918 The Man from Funeral Range † Dixie
1921 They Shall Pay Margaret Seldon
1924 Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall Jennie Faxton Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest
1925 Don Q, Son of Zorro Lola Credited as Lottie Pickford Forrest

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 8)
  2. ^ a b (Whitfield 1997, p. 14)
  3. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 18)
  4. ^ a b c (Whitfield 1997, p. 42)
  5. ^ (Whitfield 1997, pp. 95–96)
  6. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 22)
  7. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 62)
  8. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 82)
  9. ^ a b (Whitfield 1997, p. 89)
  10. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 110)
  11. ^ a b (Whitfield 1997, p. 171)
  12. ^ Cade, Mary Ann. "The Lost Film Files". silentsaregolden.com. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  13. ^ a b c (Whitfield 1997, p. 172)
  14. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 240)
  15. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 305)
  16. ^ a b (Whitfield 1997, p. 222)
  17. ^ (Whitfield 1997, p. 188)
  18. ^ "Niece of Mary Pickford Weds Radio Announcer". Ottawa Citizen. June 1, 1939. p. 23. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  19. ^ "Lottie Pickford To Wed For Second Time Tonight". The Baltimore Sun. January 7, 1922. p. 2.
  20. ^ "Lottie Pickford Divorced". Reading Eagle. February 16, 1928. p. 4. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  21. ^ "Lottie Pickford on Third Honeymoon". Berkeley Daily Gazette. July 24, 1929. p. 7. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  22. ^ "Lottie Pickford Obtains Divorce". The New York Times. February 17, 1933.
  23. ^ "Mary's Sister Is Given Divorce". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. February 17, 1933. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  24. ^ a b "Lottie Pickford Dies After Lengthy Illness". The Evening Independent. December 10, 1936. p. 1. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  25. ^ "ASSOCIATES AT RITES FOR LOTTIE PICKFORD; More Than 150 Friends Gather at Wee Kirk o' the Heather for Funeral in Hollywood". The New York Times. December 13, 1936.
  26. ^ (Whitfield 1997, pp. 305–307)

References

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  • Whitfield, Eileen (1997). Pickford, The Woman Who Made Hollywood. Lexington, Ky: Lexington : University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0-8131-2045-4.

Further reading

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