(Photo Credit – Unknown; Gabriel Moulin Studios, San Francisco)
On February 10, 2014 Shirley Temple Black made her final exit. U.S. Ambassador, Hollywood Child Star and forever ‘America’s Little Darling,’ Shirley Temple Black peacefully passed away at her Woodside, California home from natural causes, at the age of 85. She was surrounded by her family and caregivers.
Born on April 23, 1928, Black’s career in film began in 1931 and spanned 30 years, during which Black starred in 14 short films, 43 feature films, and over 25 storybook movies. Singing, dancing, and acting, Black co-starred with Bill “Bojangles” Robinson in The Little Colonel (1935), The Littlest Rebel (1935), Just Around the Corner (1938) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938).
Following her astounding film career Black would go on to serve in a series of diplomatic posts including U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, U.S. Delegate to the 24th General Assembly of the United Nations, and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. She advocated for young peoples health issues, breast cancer early detection and treatment, and environmental-quality issues.
Awards include the Life Achievement Award from Screen Actors Guild (2006), the Kennedy Center Honors (1998), and a special Juvenile Academy Award presented by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Black’s work in film in 1934.
Contributions in Shirley Temple Black’s memory may be made to the commonwealth club of California’s 2nd Century Campaign or to the Education Center at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. A REMEMBRANCE GUESTBOOK is available at SHIRLEYTEMPLE.COM, and you can see Shirley Temple Black’s early film work by visiting Tap Legacy’s YOUTUBE Playlist for Shirley Temple.
Our hearts go out to the Black family as we reflect on Shirley Temple Black’s contributions.