| Charlotte Hennessy | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elsie Charlotte Printer January 1, 1873 Toronto, Canada |
| Died | March 22, 1928 (aged 55) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Other names | Charlotte Smith, Charlotte Smith Pickford, Charlotte Hennessy |
| Spouse | John Charles Smith (1892-1895) |
Charlotte Hennessy (1 January 1873 – 22 March 1928), born Elsie Charlotte Printer, and aka Charlotte Smith Pickford, was a Canadian-born, American actress, and the mother of Mary, Lottie, and Jack Pickford.
Hennessey was mostly known for her managing and business skills, keeping control of her famous children's careers with their blessing. She took a role in United Artists and the Mary Pickford Film Company until her death. Anita Loos considered her and Peg Talmadge to be some of the smartest women in Hollywood. Many considered her one of the greatest business minds in the industry, negotiating Mary's landmark contracts (including her $1 million a year contract, the first of its kind).
Hennessey was a Christian Scientist. She died of breast cancer after refusing surgery, having already gone through several major operations. Mary was deeply affected by her death personally and professionally, famously cutting off her trademark curls shortly afterward. In 1940, Pickford considered making a biographical film about her mother. Pickford was to portray her mother, while Shirley Temple would portray a young Mary. Temple declined and the film was never made.