How could anyone forget that sweet face and those famous curls of child star Shirley Temple. She starred in hit movie after hit movie and even won awards for her talents.
But did you know that she was a business woman, diplomat and mother of three? The Hollywood icon sadly passed away in 2014 at 85 years old from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
She meant so much to so many people she was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at her home in California. Her many fans gathered this year to pay tribute to her on what would have been her 90th birthday.
Now her children have given us an interesting insight into what this movie legend was like as a mother.
Shirley Temple Black was an American actress, singer, dancer, businesswoman, and diplomat.
She was the most recognizable child actress from 1935 to 1938 and starred in many movies such as Curly Top and Heidi.
She began her career when she was only three years old. Her screen popularity waned when she reached her adolescent years and at 22 she retired from acting — only to return 8 years later.
Shirley was an activist and the United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She also served as Chief of Protocol of the United States.
She was married twice and had three children, Lori Black, Linda Susan Agar, Charles Alden Black Jr. Lori Black, who was her daughter from the second marriage, got addicted to heroin in the late 80s.
Lori, also known as Lorax, was a musician who played bass for the bands “Clown Alley” and the “Melvins.” At 39, Lori pleaded guilty for drug possession and sentenced to two years of probation, 120 hours of community service, and a fine. Lori also had to attend drug therapy sessions.
Her mother Shirley was instrumental in helping her beat the addiction, getting the whole family to attend these sessions with her so she wouldn’t feel alone.
In 2018, Shirley’s family and fans gathered together to celebrate what would have been her 90th birthday.
Her son Charles Black remembers growing up with the famous star and recalls: “The only time I noticed her star quality was when someone else would ask for her autograph. She was an amazing person. She was wonderful — and normal. We had dinner at the table every night all together.”
Shirley’s daughter, Linda Susan Agar, also said: “She was devoted and generous, and she could be a little stern if we didn’t behave. But she was also a lot of fun. Very inventive and imaginative. She was all about her children and her husband.”
According to Susan, there was no one like her mother.
“We had a lot of fun decorating the dining room. Being a wife and mom is the greatest of her achievements. We were shopping and travel buddies. We went many places together. She was one of my very best friends…”
What an amazing lady who achieved so much and yet still found time to be a good mom!
Please share with all the Shirley Temple fans you know and the moms who are working hard to be the best they can for their kids.
