#OnThisDay, #HappyBirthday, #TodayinHistory: Universal Pictures, the oldest major American movie company, was founded in 1912. Though there were 9 guys that are considered among Universal's founders, the person that is usu. seen as the "founding father" and the de facto found was film producer Carl Laemmle, Sr. (1/171867-9/24/1939; lem lee). The practice of using movie studios and movie studio tours started with him. Before founding Universal, Laemmle discovered Florence Lawrence (1/2/1886-12/28/1938). She would be the first publicly-named movie star. In other words, she was the first movie star. So, Laemmle also helped established the movie star persona, so to speak.