37 Facts About Shirley Temple

Early Life and Career

Shirley Temple Black, born on April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California, became a household name at a very young age. Her journey from a toddler to a global icon is filled with fascinating moments.

1. Shirley Jane Temple was born at Santa Monica Hospital (now UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center) in Santa Monica, California.
2. She began her acting career at the age of three when producers from Educational Films Corporation discovered her at her dance school.
3. Temple made her acting debut in 'Baby Burlesks,' short parodies of popular films where she spoofed stars like Mae West and Marlene Dietrich.

Iconic Roles and Collaborations

Shirley's talent and charm shone through in her memorable roles and collaborations with other legendary figures.

4. Her iconic turns in The Little Colonel and Bright Eyes showcased her talent and paved her way for a fulfilling and productive life.
5. In Bright Eyes, she sang her signature song, “On the Good Ship Lollipop”.
6. Temple worked with legendary figures like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, performing a delightful tap-dance number in The Little Colonel.
7. She also collaborated with Gary Cooper in Now and Forever (1934).

Awards and Recognition

Shirley's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, earning her numerous awards and recognition throughout her career.

8. At just six years old, Temple became the first recipient of the Juvenile Academy Award, making her the youngest person ever to receive an Academy Award.
9. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998.
10. When she was seven years old, her life was insured with Lloyd's of London, with a unique clause about intoxication.

Family and Personal Life

Behind the scenes, Shirley's family played a significant role in her life and career.

11. Gertrude Temple, Shirley's mother, served as her hairdresser and styled her golden locks in exactly 56 pin curls for every one of her movies.
12. Temple married John Agar in 1945, but the marriage lasted only four years.
13. She then married Charles Black in 1950, with whom she had two children: Charles Jr. and Lori. This marriage lasted nearly 55 years until Black's death in 2005.

Public Service and Diplomacy

Shirley's career extended beyond Hollywood, as she made significant contributions to public service and diplomacy.

14. In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon appointed Temple a U.S. delegate to the United Nations.
15. She later served as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana (1974-1976) and Czechoslovakia (1989-1992).
16. Temple became the first woman named U.S. Chief of Protocol under President Gerald R. Ford.

Health and Philanthropy

Shirley's life was marked by her resilience and dedication to helping others.

17. In 1972, Temple revealed that she had undergone a mastectomy, helping eliminate the stigma of breast cancer and encouraging women to seek treatment.
18. Temple's philanthropic efforts included donating the settlement she won from a libel case against Graham Greene to build a youth center.

Rumors and Controversies

Despite her success, Shirley faced numerous rumors and controversies throughout her career.

19. One bizarre rumor suggested she was an elderly little person due to her stocky stature, prompting the Vatican to investigate.
20. Despite being one of the highest-paid child actors, Temple's father allegedly failed to place her income in a trust fund, leaving her with only $44,000 when she accessed her bank accounts.
21. David O Selznick, a prominent producer, was known for his predatory behavior. Anita Colby, his artistic director, warned Temple to be wary of him.

Career Decline and Transition

As Shirley grew older, her career in Hollywood began to wane, leading her to new ventures.

22. By 1939, Temple's popularity began to decline, although she continued to act in films like Since You Went Away (1944) and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947).
23. She transitioned into public service and diplomacy, leveraging her fame and charisma to serve the nation.

Diplomatic Achievements

Shirley's diplomatic career was marked by her ability to navigate complex international relations.

24. Temple's diplomatic career included serving as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, earning praise from Henry Kissinger, who referred to her as “able and tough”.
25. In the fall of 1974, Temple was appointed American Ambassador to Ghana, leading to her appointment as Chief of Protocol for the U.S. State Department in 1976.

Personal Relationships and Legacy

Shirley's personal relationships and legacy continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

26. Despite her fame, Temple's personal life was not without challenges, but she remained steadfast and gracious throughout her career.
27. Temple inspired other actresses, including Shirley Jones and Shirley MacLaine, who were both named after her.
28. The Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic cocktail made with ginger ale, grenadine, and orange juice, was created in her honor.

Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy

Shirley's impact on popular culture and her enduring legacy continue to be celebrated.

29. Temple appeared on the cover of The Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, symbolizing her cultural significance.
30. Temple made significant public appearances, including presenting Walt Disney with his special Academy Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
31. During the filming of Susannah of the Mounties (1939), the Blackfoot tribe gave Temple the Indian name Bright Shining Star.
32. Temple's second husband, Charles Black, admitted to her during their courtship that he had never seen any of her movies.
33. Buddy Ebsen, a renowned actor and dancer, was Temple's best friend and dancing partner.
34. Temple was elected to the board of directors of Walt Disney Productions in May 1974.
35. By the time she retired from acting, Temple had appeared in over 40 feature films, generating significant revenue.
36. Despite her substantial earnings, Temple only saw $45,000 of her $3 million generated for 20th Century-Fox.
37. Temple passed away on February 10, 2014, in Woodside, California, due to complications from pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Shirley Temple's Enduring Legacy

Shirley Temple Black's life was a blend of charm, talent, and resilience. From her early days as a child star in Baby Burlesks to her iconic roles in The Little Colonel and Bright Eyes, she captivated audiences worldwide. Her transition from Hollywood to public service showcased her versatility and dedication. Serving as a U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, she proved her mettle in diplomacy. Despite facing financial struggles and health issues, Temple's grace and kindness remained unwavering. Her philanthropic efforts, like donating her libel case settlement to build a youth center, highlighted her generous spirit. Shirley Temple's legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of talent, determination, and a kind heart. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact one individual can have on entertainment, diplomacy, and philanthropy.