By now, most of you know that child star, actress, breast cancer survivor, mother and politician Shirley Temple Black has passed away of natural causes at the age of 85. The adorable, curly-topped redhead tap-danced her way into our hearts as a toddler and never left. Until now.
above: Shirley with Carole Lombard and Gary Cooper on a movie studio lot in 1934
Instead of an obituary or full filmography of the actress, which you will find in every major newspaper and news blog, I'm just going to share with you TONS (85, to be exact) of my favorite photos of the actress throughout her life. The top box office draw from 1935-1938, she retired from show business at the young age of 22.
above: Shirley with her parents Gertrude and George in the 1930s
The following are a collection of both publicity stills and other photos from various sources including LIFE magazine, that are a poignant reminder of the joy she brought so many. Sleep well, Little Princess.
Shirley Temple (1928-1940):
Growing up (1940 - 1950):
Shirley was only 16 when she married Sgt. John Agar in 1945, a marriage that lasted only 4 years (they married only 12 days after they met):
above Kodachrome photo by Bob Beerman
Shirley celebrating her 17th birthday in 1945:
Shirley and John had one child, Linda Susan, in 1947:
1950 -1960:
Shirley's second marriage to Charles Black, in 1950, lasted 55 years until his death:
Shirley Temple had three children; Linda Susan with John Agar and Charles Jr. and Lori with Charles Black.
Shirley with daughter Linda Susan in 1950:
Shirley with Charlie Jr. in 1952 and daughter Lori in 1954:
Shirley Temple's program, Storybook, ran from 1958-1961:
Shirley Temple with all her children, Charles, Lori, and Linda Susan in 1959:
In the late 50 and 60s Shirley has a career in television and it was in the late 60's that she became active with the Republican Party in California. In 1965, LIFE magazine profiled the star with wonderful photos by Alfred Eisenstadt.
1960 -1970:
1970 and on:
In 1972, Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was removed and a modified radical mastectomy performed. Following the operation, she announced it to the world via radio, television, and a February 1973 article for the magazine McCall's. In doing so, she became one of the first prominent women to speak openly about breast cancer. (source: wikipedia)
She continued her active interest in politics through the 70s , 80s and 90s.
She was appointed Representative to the 24th United Nations General Assembly by President Richard M. Nixon (September – December 1969), and was appointed United States Ambassador to Ghana (December 6, 1974 – July 13, 1976) by President Gerald R. Ford.[99] She was appointed first female Chief of Protocol of the United States (July 1, 1976 – January 21, 1977), and was in charge of arrangements for President Jimmy Carter's inauguration and inaugural ball.[99][100] She served as the United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (August 23, 1989 – July 12, 1992), having been appointed by President George H. W. Bush.
Taken at her home in Woodside, CA, 1978:
Shirley Temple poses in 1990 with her Life cover. Her 1934 honorary Academy Awards are on the piano behind her:
On The Red Carpet in 1998:
Another 1998 photo:
1999 photo from People Magazine:
At the SAG awards in 2005, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award:
And shown here at the 2006 SAG awards:
On February 10, 2014, the legendary actress and extraordinary woman passed away peacefully at her home in Woodside, California, surrounded by family and caregivers. She leaves behind an indelible mark and will be remembered fondly by the world. May she Rest In Peace.
