Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Shirley Temple: Hollywood’s Beloved Child Star and Diplomat
Shirley Temple remains one of the most iconic child actors in Hollywood history. Even nearly 90 years after her rise to fame, her name is still recognized by Millennials and older generations alike—a true testament to her lasting legacy.

Early Life and Family Connections
Born on April 23, 1928, Shirley Temple was connected to my family through her father, George Francis Temple. Our common ancestor was my 10th great-grandfather, Thomas Birchard (1595–1657), who was Shirley’s 8th great-grandfather on her paternal side.

Rise to Stardom
Shirley Temple became famous for her portrayals of cheerful, upbeat characters that charmed audiences across the globe. Her films, primarily musical and dance-based comedies, always ended on a happy note. During her career, Shirley worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Lionel Barrymore, Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Buddy Epsen, and Cesar Romero.
Her movies during the 1930s were especially popular, offering audiences a sense of joy and relief during the hardships of the Great Depression. Shirley’s infectious smile and talent made her a household name almost overnight.

Transition to Adulthood
As Shirley grew from child star to teenager, her Hollywood success began to wane. Between 1940 and 1950, she appeared in a few films, but none matched the popularity of her earlier work. Eventually, she decided to retire from acting in 1950.

Personal Life
Shirley Temple married John Agar on September 19, 1945, when she was 17. They had one daughter, Linda Susan Agar, born January 30, 1948, but the marriage ended in divorce on December 5, 1949.
She later married Charles Alden Black on December 16, 1950. The couple had two children: Charles Alden Black Jr. (born April 28, 1952) and Lori Black (born April 9, 1954).

Political and Diplomatic Career
After retiring from Hollywood, Shirley Temple-Black became active in politics. She joined the California Republican Party and ran for Congress in 1967, though she was not elected.
Her public service career then took off under the U.S. State Department. Shirley was appointed as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly by President Richard Nixon in 1969 and later served as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana under President Gerald Ford in 1974. She continued her diplomatic work for decades, including serving as U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia under President George H.W. Bush, before retiring in 1992.

Legacy and Death
Shirley Temple-Black passed away on February 10, 2014, at her home in Woodside, California, at the age of 85. Her remarkable journey from child star to diplomat remains an inspiring legacy in both entertainment and public service.