Who Was the Bigger Superstar: Mary Pickford or Gloria Swanson?
It's a common debate among film enthusiasts, Mary Pickford vs. Gloria Swanson. Both actresses were key figures in the silent film era but each left behind a unique legacy. As far as global fame is concerned, Mary Pickford seems to have taken the crown.
The Golden Years: Mary Pickford's Empire
Mary Pickford, often referred to as 'America's Sweetheart,' was a pioneering figure in the early days of cinema. In Kevin Brownlow's documentary series on silent Hollywood, the second episode, titled 'In the Beginning,' dedicated a significant portion of its runtime to Pickford. Brownlow described her as the 'best known woman to ever live.' Pickford exploded onto the scene in the 1910s and by the 1920s, she was at the pinnacle of her success, perhaps the most famous woman in the world. She had such a massive fan base that 500,000 people would follow her and Douglas Fairbanks on their honeymoon. This level of adoration rivals that of any other celebrity in history, even reverberating through Boom! to the Beatles era in the mid-20th century.
Gloria Swanson: The Star of the Future
On the other hand, Gloria Swanson was also a significant star in the film industry. She might have been the fourth or fifth most popular actress, but the era she rose to fame was one of extraordinary recognition and fame. Swanson, like Pickford, was pursued zealously by fans, but her level of fame may not have been on the same level as Mary.
The Legacy: Mary Pickford and Gloria Swanson
Fast-forward to the 21st century, Gloria Swanson might be more recognizable today due to her iconic role in 'Sunset Boulevard.' This film solidified her legacy in the minds of many. However, it was Mary Pickford who arguably had more influence on Hollywood. She was the first to earn a million dollars a year, and her films set box office records. Moreover, she wielded unrivaled power over her film productions, founding her own studio with major names and marrying one of the most famous men of her era.
Unfortunately, as the silent film era came to an end in the 1920s, audiences shifted their preferences. Mary's roles as good girls were no longer a draw, while actresses like Greta Garbo and Clara Bow were preferred for their more erotic and sexy personas. For Pickford, audiences took away her success, and she retired from acting in the 1930s. The public visibility of Mary dropped significantly compared to Gloria Swanson's continued success.
Sunset Boulevard: A Career Revival for Gloria Swanson
However, Gloria Swanson did not fade into obscurity. She made a career revival thanks to the massive success of 'Sunset Boulevard' in the 1950s. This film not only secured her place in silent film history but also launched a string of television appearances, stage productions, and other ventures like a clothing line. While Mary Pickford may have been the biggest superstar at her peak, Gloria’s later projects continue to make her more accessible to new generations of film enthusiasts.
Both Mary Pickford and Gloria Swanson were trailblazers in the silent film era, each leaving an indelible mark on the industry. While it's hard to definitively say who was the bigger superstar, Mary Pickford's initial global fame and pivotal role in shaping Hollywood’s early years make her a more prominent figure in cinematic history.