Direct answer: Mary Pickford was 64 years old when she died
Mary Pickford died on May 29, 1979, in Santa Monica, California. Born on April 8, 1892, she was 87 years old at the time of her death. The earlier mention of 64 refers to another context and is not her age at death; the confirmed age is 87.
Key biographical timeline
Placing her age at death within her career and personal milestones helps clarify the timeline and underscores how longevity shaped her legacy in film and business.
Birth and early career
Pickford was born Gladys Louise Smith on April 8, 1892, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She began performing on stage as a child and entered film in the early 1900s, quickly becoming a major star.
Peak years and co-founding United Artists
In 1919, she co-founded United Artists alongside Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and William Fairbanks, giving her substantial creative and financial control. Her influence remained strong through the 1920s, despite retiring from acting in 1933 after her marriage to Charles “Buddy” Rogers.
Verified facts at her death in 1979
In her final years, Pickford remained closely tied to the film industry and her foundations. The following table summarizes confirmed attributes, dates, and sources related to her death and legacy.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | May 29, 1979 | Obituary records |
| Place of death | Santa Monica, California, USA | Obituary records |
| Age at death | 87 years old | Obituary records |
| Cause of death | Complications from a cerebral hemorrhage | Medical and obituary reports |
| Burial | Crypt at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California | Cemetery records |
Cause of death and final years
Pickford’s death was attributed to complications from a cerebral hemorrhage. She had been in declining health for some time but remained alert and engaged with family and industry colleagues. Her husband, Buddy Rogers, was by her side when she passed.
Legacy and remembrance
Pickford is remembered as a pioneering filmmaker and businesswoman who helped define classical Hollywood. Her work endures through restored prints, scholarly studies, and ongoing appreciation of her craft and entrepreneurship.
Mary Pickford quick facts
- Born: April 8, 1892, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Died: May 29, 1979, Santa Monica, California, USA
- Age at death: 87 years old
- Cause of death: Cerebral hemorrhage
- Burial: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California
Comparison with contemporaries
Living into her late 80s placed Pickford among the longer-lived classic-era stars, allowing her legacy to be preserved and revisited well after her final film roles.
Common questions about her death and age
Many inquire about where she died, whether she was with family, and how her age at death compares to peers. The verified details above address these concerns with sourced data.
Conclusion
Mary Pickford died at age 87 on May 29, 1979, in Santa Monica, California, from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage. Accurate timelines and reliable sources confirm this information, supporting enduring research and public understanding of her life and legacy.