"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. Often associated with young female celebrities, the moniker is typically bestowed upon individuals who are publicly perceived as wholesome, charming, humble, and relatable. Canadian-born actress Mary Pickford is considered the first person to be dubbed "America's Sweetheart", a title bestowed upon her by theater producer David Grauman in 1914, and subsequently used by film studios to promote her work. Historically, the honorific was primarily used to describe popular Hollywood actresses during the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as Shirley Temple and Debbie Reynolds. However, the term has been expanded to include television performers, athletes, and musicians.
Since Pickford, the media has referred to dozens of celebrities as "America's Sweetheart" throughout history. In film, the romantic comedy genre has been noted to be frequented by several actors whose work and reputations have become closely associated with the phrase, notably Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock during the 1990s.
Celebrities have both embraced and denounced the title. Some female actors have accused the "America's Sweetheart" reputation of negatively impacting their careers by subjecting them to typecasting. Some critics have criticized the nickname for being sexist, perpetuating outdated stereotypes and expectations for women in the media.