Shirley Temple, 85, the most famous child star in history, died yesterday in her Woodside, California home of natural causes.
Temple began acting at age 3 and earned a miniature Oscar in 1934. Temple retired years later at 21. She is most known for her role in films “Bright Eyes,” “Stand Up and Cheer,” “Curly Top” and my favorite Temple movie “The Little Princess.” After ending her career as a thespian she became a U.S. diplomat, serving as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
Shirley’s signature deep dimples, bouncy hair, bright eyes and angelic voice made her a bonified superstar. I remember the first time I was introduced to her films and how I begged my mother for the same ringlets. Temple was so popular, a drink was named in her honor.
Her family 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 for 55 years of the the late and much missed Charles Alden Black.”
Watch her in action, in her most praised role “Bright Eyes,”” below:
