Shirley Temple

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James Dunn and Shirley Temple publicity photo for "Bright Eyes" - front (cropped)

Shirley Temple - Image (1943)

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Shirley Temple (April 23, 1928 – February 10, 2014) was an American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat who became a prominent child star in the 1930s. She began her film career in 1932 at the age of three and, in 1934, found international fame in Bright Eyes, a feature film designed specifically for her talents. She received a special Academy Juvenile Award in February 1935 for her outstanding contribution as a juvenile performer to motion pictures during 1934, particularly for her work in Bright Eyes and Stand Up and Cheer!. Temple was known for her bouncy curls, dimpled smile, and precocious acting and singing ability. Her box-office popularity waned as she became a teenager, but she made a transition to a career in public service and was appointed as a United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, as well as serving as Chief of Protocol of the United States.

Early Life

Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California, to George Francis Temple, a bank employee, and Gertrude Amelia Temple, a homemaker. She had two older brothers, George Francis, Jr., and John Stanley. Temple began dance classes at Meglin's Dance School in Los Angeles at the age of three, where she was discovered by a talent scout.

Career

Child Stardom

Temple's film debut came in 1932 with a series of short films called Baby Burlesks. Her breakthrough role came in 1934 with Bright Eyes, where she performed the song "On the Good Ship Lollipop". Throughout the 1930s, Temple starred in films such as Curly Top and Heidi, becoming one of the most famous child actors of all time. She was known for her ability to uplift the public's spirits during the Great Depression, and she received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the film industry.

Transition to Adult Roles

As Temple grew older, her popularity with audiences waned. Her attempt to transition into adult roles was met with mixed success. Her final film as a child star was The Blue Bird (1940). After a brief hiatus, she returned to acting in her late teens and appeared in films such as The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947) and Fort Apache (1948).

Post-Acting Career

After retiring from film in 1950, Temple became active in politics and diplomacy. She held several diplomatic posts, including Ambassador to Ghana (1974–1976) and Czechoslovakia (1989–1992), and was the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States (1976–1977).

Personal Life

Shirley Temple was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor John Agar in 1945, with whom she had one daughter, Linda Susan. The couple divorced in 1949. In 1950, she married Charles Alden Black, a businessman, and had two children, Charles Jr. and Lori. Temple was an advocate for breast cancer awareness, having been diagnosed with the disease in 1972 and successfully undergoing a mastectomy.

Death

Shirley Temple Black died on February 10, 2014, at the age of 85, at her home in Woodside, California. Her death was attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition she had been battling for several years.

Legacy

Shirley Temple remains a symbol of hope and joy for millions around the world. Her films continue to be popular with audiences of all ages, and her contributions to the entertainment industry and public service are remembered and celebrated.