America's Sweetheart

"America's Sweetheart" is an unofficial title used by the American media to describe a public figure who is widely admired and beloved by the public. The title is typically bestowed upon a young woman publicly perceived as wholesome, charming, humble, and relatable. The Canadian-born actress Mary Pickford is considered the first person to be dubbed "America's Sweetheart," a title bestowed upon her by the theater producer David Grauman in 1914, and subsequently used by film studios to promote her work. Historically, "America's Sweetheart" primarily referred to popular Hollywood actresses during the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as Shirley Temple and Debbie Reynolds, but it has since been expanded to include television performers, athletes, and musicians.

Since Pickford, dozens of celebrities have been named "America's Sweetheart." In film, actors in romantic comedy in particular, notably Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock during the 1990s, have earned the title, which some have scorned for constricting their careers by subjecting them to typecasting.

Some celebrities have embraced and others denounced the title. Some critics find it sexist, perpetuating outdated stereotypes and expectations for women in the media.