News Summary
Mary Pickford, once America’s Sweetheart, has retreated into seclusion at her Beverly Hills estate, Pickfair. As she approaches her 80th birthday, the iconic actress has distanced herself from the limelight, preferring a quiet life filled with private pursuits. Her husband, Buddy Rogers, reveals that while she remains healthy, Pickford has not participated in public events since 1965. Despite her reclusiveness, efforts continue to preserve her cinematic legacy. The once vibrant gatherings at Pickfair have faded into memories, symbolizing her preference for privacy and peace after a celebrated Hollywood career.
Beverly Hills — Mary Pickford, a legendary figure from Hollywood’s early years, has largely withdrawn from public life, marking nearly two decades of self-imposed seclusion in her opulent Beverly Hills estate, Pickfair. The actress, who captured the hearts of audiences as “America’s Sweetheart,” is set to celebrate her 80th birthday this April. However, she has not been seen by guests for over a decade, even as her home, once a hub for numerous glamorous gatherings, now stands as a subdued museum of her past accomplishments.
Pickford, who pioneered the film industry with her unique charm and talent, has chosen to avoid the spotlight as she ages. According to Buddy Rogers, her husband, she is currently in good health but prefers the confines of their home, expressing some unease when taken out. Pickfair, although reduced from its original 15 acres due to encroaching residential development, is filled with high-value art and antiques, including a silver urn gifted by the King of Siam, highlighting Pickford’s illustrious past and the significant history of the estate.
The celebrated actress has not participated in public events since 1965 and has not watched her films in over 25 years. She has stated a strong preference for privacy, citing the exhaustion that came with her extensive career in acting and film production. Nowadays, she engages in personal pastimes such as reading mystery novels, watching television, and enjoying the view from her bedroom window that overlooks Los Angeles.
Pickford’s aversion to modern cinema is apparent; she has expressed feeling disconnected from current film trends and actors, preferring the performances of stars like Katharine Hepburn and Liza Minnelli. The transition in celebrity culture, coupled with her reflections on historical events such as Watergate, have left her in a state of contemplation regarding the modern entertainment landscape.
The rich legacy of Pickford and her late husband, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., continues to resonate within Hollywood’s infrastructure. Together, they were instrumental in founding the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and played a vital role in promoting and advocating for the film industry. Their contribution to cinematic history cannot be overstated, as they were part of the Beverly Hills Eight—a group of influential film stars who helped maintain the independence of Beverly Hills during critical political debates surrounding water rights.
Despite her reclusiveness, the preservation and restoration of Pickford’s films are ongoing, with some works set to be displayed at European film festivals. This effort ensures that her remarkable contributions to cinema remain available for future audiences to appreciate.
Visitors to Pickfair rarely have the chance to see its most famous resident. With only a select number of guests having had the opportunity to meet her in years, Pickford’s choice to remain out of the public eye reflects a desire for the peace and rest she has earned after a fulfilling yet demanding career. Buddy Rogers concluded his visit, hoping not to exhaust her as she wrapped up their conversation warmly, hinting at the importance of cherishing her remaining years in comfort and quietude.
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Additional Resources
- Love Property: Pickfair Tour
- Wikipedia: Mary Pickford
- LA Magazine: Birth of Beverly Hills
- Google Search: Beverly Hills
- LA Times: Pickfair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Hills
- Daily News: Pickfair’s For Sale
- Google Scholar: Mary Pickford
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
