Like all child stars, it was Shirley’s parents (her mother, Gertrude) and not herself who made the decision to enter into the world of entertainment. Gertrude saw her adorable little girl and decided to put her in a prestigious performing arts academy when she was less than three years old.
Shirley would later admit that she loved the work and the fast-paced lifestyle. In fact, she admitted in an interview that her mother wasn’t “pushy like other stage moms,” and that sometimes she felt like she pulled her around.
Brightening the Room
Things were pretty bad in the days of the Great Depression. In a time when there wasn’t much to smile about in real life, the dimple-cheeked, sweet little Shirley Temple provided some much-needed comic relief (and cuteness) to audiences across the nation.
She played in a number of movies throughout the 1930s, most of which were lighthearted musicals.
Getting Noticed
It was clear from a very young age that Temple was destined for greatness. She started dance lessons right around the time she began her career in the entertainment industry
Her smile could light up a room, and that’s exactly what Hollywood executives saw when she came their way. In fact, 20th Century Fox was just dying to mold her into their perfect little star – which is exactly what they did.
Rise to Fame
Shirley’s film career began in 1931 when she was just three years old. Over the course of the next seven years, she’d appear in nearly 30 movies, warming the hearts of people everywhere.
She wouldn’t achieve international stardom until 1933 when she appeared in her hit, Bright Eyes. Afterward, young Shirley Temple would become a household name. She started to pop up on screens all across America, brightening the faces of people from all different walks of life.
Not My Gang
“Our Gang,” which was also known as “The Little Rascals,” was a series of short films, put together by a troupe of adorable, talented children. But whoever was in charge of casting for the series made a few mistakes that they probably regretted a lot later on down the road.
Two of those mistakes were turning their backs on future stars Shirley Temple, and Mickey Rooney. Seriously, though, how could they have said no to little Shirley Temple?
The Face of it All
Shirley Temple had a salary that would put most people in this day and age to shame – which is pretty sad when you think about it. But, as much money as she raked in from singing and dancing across the screen in films, a lot of the money came from advertisements for major brands.
Shirley appeared in a number of ads for all sorts of companies, including Dodge and Quaker Oats, among many others. She continued to appear in ads throughout the years, even into her teens, including one 1944 ad she shot for Royal Crown Cola, including their catchphrase, “it does taste best!”
The Academy Award Goes To
In 1935, a special honorary award was created for 6-year-old Shirley Temple by the Board of Governors. She received a miniature Oscar, becoming the youngest recipient of the Juvenile Award in history.
After presenting her with the honor, 11 other children received the same award between 1935 and 1960. Actress Tatum O’Neal was the first to ever receive the “big” version of the Oscar award.
Goldilocks
Shirley Temple’s curly hair was a defining feature of her on-screen persona, envied by many.
Her mother also acted as her hairstylist, and a lot of time and energy went into creating the look on a regular basis.
The Paycheck
In addition to supporting Shirley during performances, her mother Gertrude received a weekly paycheck for styling her daughter’s hair.
After all, she did typically pin about 55 individual curls into her head each night before bedtime – which couldn’t have been very comfortable for Shirley to sleep on. Still, her mother received $250/week for the styling.
Conspiracy Theories
During Shirley Temple’s career, she faced conspiracy theories similar to those in Hollywood, including being labeled a communist at a young age.
The conspiracy got so out of control that it was even taken up to Congress for debate. She was just ten years old at the time. The accusations came from a member of the House of Un-American Activities Community, who was later ridiculed and shunned for the entire (insane) debacle.
Joy Bringer
Shirley Temple brought hope and joy during dark times, captivating audiences with her smile, songs, and dances amidst the Great Depression.
She had a fanbase that stretched far and wide and included people from all walks of life, from farmers to the president of the U.S, and other powerful people.
The Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple’s fame extended to having a drink named after her. The Shirley Temple, a popular mocktail, consists of ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry, often with variations like lemon-lime soda or orange juice added.
According to the actress, she would order these all of the time when going out to eat with her parents as a child. It is a perfect “mocktail,” with just the right amount of sweetness!
Little Woman
Some find Shirley Temple’s early films, such as “Baby Burlesks,” to be unsettling due to her portraying adult roles at a young age.
Shirley Temple was known for her iconic dance moves and lively performances. She later criticized the series she starred in as a child, calling it a cynical exploitation of innocence in her 1988 autobiography.
In 1936, controversy surrounded Shirley Temple when she wore a revealing hula outfit in the film “Captain January,” causing disapproval among audiences. The film faced protests and was even labeled immoral by viewers. Despite this, it was not the most controversial work she would be involved in during her career.
One of Shirley Temple’s successful films, “Curly Top” from 1935, featured beloved songs like “Animal Crackers in my Soup” and “The Simple Things in Life.” However, the movie was banned in Denmark due to unspecified corruption.
While “Curly Top” was popular in the United States, it faced bans in Italy and Switzerland for concerns over its message. Shirley enjoyed filming the movie but had strict discipline imposed on her to maintain professionalism.
Dark rumors have always plagued Hollywood, especially regarding child stars. Shirley Temple, like many others, faced challenges during her time in the entertainment industry, including harsh treatment like being forced to sit on a block of ice in a dark sound booth.
Despite her challenges, Shirley Temple managed to navigate the pitfalls of fame during her childhood. She encountered wild experiences, including being at the center of conspiracies involving powerful individuals and facing attacks from troubled individuals.
At one point, there were rumors suggesting Shirley Temple was actually an adult disguised as a child, leading to investigations by the Vatican. These rumors circulated despite efforts to shield Shirley from such controversies.Shirley Temple had stirred quite a lot of discussion among the public and media due to the mature nature of her roles. Novelist Graham Greene even commented on this when she was just nine, expressing how adult emotions seemed to peek through the facade of childhood in her performances. He described it as clever but unsustainable.
Her allure captivated a diverse audience, including middle-aged men and clergymen who were drawn to her provocative charm and vitality. Greene noted that their fascination stemmed from a separation created by the narrative and dialogue that shielded their desires from their intellect.
In 1944, “National Velvet” was released, featuring stars like Mickey Rooney and a young Elizabeth Taylor. This movie, adapted from a 1935 novel, garnered praise from both critics and viewers. It is speculated that the course of Shirley Temple’s career could have been altered if she had taken on the role eventually played by Taylor. However, her mother declined the offer, deeming it unsuitable for her daughter.
Retiring from the entertainment industry at the tender age of 22 might seem like a fantasy to most, but for Shirley Temple, it was a deliberate choice. After years of portraying smaller roles, she felt it was time to bid farewell to show business in 1950.
Shirley Temple’s early achievements were remarkable. At just three years old, while many children were occupied with trivial matters, she was already making waves in major motion pictures. By the age of seven, her talent had earned her several accolades, including the Juvenile Academy Award in 1934 for her exceptional performances in various films.
Her fame extended beyond the silver screen, earning her admiration from prominent figures like U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The President invited her for a visit during her travels, demonstrating her widespread appeal. During a trip to Washington D.C., Shirley Temple playfully surprised Mrs. Roosevelt with a slingshot incident.
As she transitioned into her teenage years, Shirley’s enthusiasm for constant filming waned. She longed for a more typical teenage experience, seeking adventures and social interactions like her peers.
In essence, Shirley Temple’s journey exemplifies a remarkable transition from child star to adolescence, marked by a desire for normalcy and diverse experiences beyond the world of entertainment.Shirley’s mother found a great private school for her to attend, which made Shirley excited to spend time with other girls her age away from the busy Hollywood scene.
As Shirley delved into typical teenage experiences, she slowly drifted away from the fame that once defined her. Her charm and talent were undeniable, but her interest in the limelight began to wane, leading the world to follow suit.
During her early years, Shirley starred in numerous films, but as she grew older, her involvement in the movie industry decreased. Despite retaining her beauty and youthfulness, she sought new horizons beyond Hollywood, eventually landing prestigious roles such as serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
Like many girls of her generation, Shirley dreamed of having her own family and took steps towards that dream by entering a serious romantic relationship. In 1943, before turning 18, she met a man who would become her husband and fulfill her dream of becoming a young bride.
At the age of 17, Shirley tied the knot with her sweetheart, Army Air Corps sergeant John Agar, in a grand ceremony attended by 500 guests. The couple later welcomed a daughter, Linda Susan, and even acted together in a couple of films after Agar transitioned into the entertainment industry.
Shirley and Agar had known each other before their marriage, with their initial meeting taking place when she was just 15 years old. Although their relationship seemed strong on the surface, Shirley soon realized that Agar struggled with substance abuse issues, leading to their decision to part ways officially in 1949.
Despite the challenges they faced, Shirley retained custody of their daughter as she moved forward from her marriage with Agar.
Image Source: Shirley Temple Fan Page 01 @ Instagram
