Shirley Temple Black was arguably the first and greatest child star (making 44 movies before her 12th birthday), and still remains one of Hollywood’s most identifiable icons. She also single-handedly launched the whole ‘adorable children tap-dancing’ movie genre, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore but probably should. Unfortunately, she died yesterday at the age of 85. Via CNN …
Shirley Temple Black, who rose to fame as arguably the most popular child star in Hollywood history, died late Monday night, her publicist said. She was 85. Temple Black, who also enjoyed a long career as a diplomat, died of natural causes at her Woodside, California, home. She was surrounded by family and caregivers, a statement from Cheryl Kagan said. … “We salute her for a life of remarkable achievements as an actor, as a diplomat, and most importantly as our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and adored wife of fifty-five years of the late and much missed Charles Alden Black,” a statement said.
Aside from being one of the biggest names in Hollywood during the Great Depression, it turns out she was also an ambassador to both Ghana And Czechoslovakia, and basically did a ton of work for political and international causes without drawing needless attention to herself. This new crop of Hollywood starlets could probably take a page from her. Rest in peace, Shirley.
