Baby Has Taken Her Last Bow. The Life of Shirley Temple Black As Told Through 85 Photos.

Shirley Temple's Life in Pictures

By now, most of you know that child star, actress, breast cancer survivor, mother and politician Shirley Temple Black has passed away of natural causes at the age of 85. The adorable, curly-topped redhead tap-danced her way into our hearts as a toddler and never left. Until now.

The Life of Shirley Temple Black As Told Through 85 Photos.

The Life of Shirley Temple Black As Told Through 85 Photos.

shirley temple carole lombard gary cooper movie studio lot 1934
Shirley Temple with Carole Lombard and Gary Cooper on a movie studio lot, 1934

Instead of an obituary or full filmography of the actress, which you will find in every major newspaper and news blog, I’m just going to share with you TONS (85, to be exact) of my favorite photos of the actress throughout her life. The top box office draw from 1935-1938, she retired from show business at the young age of 22.

Shirley temple and parents
Shirley with her parents Gertrude and George in the 1930s

The following are a collection of both publicity stills and personal images that are a poignant reminder of the joy she brought so many. Sleep well, Little Princess.

Shirley Temple (1928-1940):

baby pics of shirley temple

shirley temple photo

child actress

shirley temple in greek fisherman hat

shirley temple fingerpainting

famous children actors

shirley temple with dog

shirley temple publicity shots

shirley temple casting shots

curley top

hollywood child star

the life of shirley temple

shirley temple with horse

shirley temple as a child

shirley temple in bed with dog

shirley temple with giant lollipop

shirley temple with monogram initial purse

shirley temple movie still

shirley temple movie still christmas

shirley temple tween

Growing up (1940 – 1950):

shirley temple teen years

shirley temple teen years

shirley temple teen years

life magazine shirley temple

autographed photo of shirley temple

shirley temple early twenties

shirley temple in costume

RKO Radio still of shirley temple

Shirley was only 16 when she married Sgt. John Agar in 1945, a marriage that lasted only 4 years (they married only 12 days after they met):
shirley temple wedding to john agar

Shirley temple wedding portrait

shirley temple wedding to john agar

bob beerman photo shirley temple kodachrome
above Kodachrome photo of the couple in their backyard by Bob Beerman

Shirley celebrating her 17th birthday in 1945:
Shirley Temple celebrates her 17th birthday

Shirley and John had one child, Linda Susan, in 1947:
shirley temple john agara and daughter

1950 -1960:

Shirley’s second marriage to Charles Black, in 1950, lasted 55 years until his death:
shirley temple and husband charles black

Shirley-Temple-tribute

Shirley Temple had three children; Linda Susan with John Agar and Charles Jr. and Lori with Charles Black.

Shirley with daughter Linda Susan in 1950:
Shirley Temple with daughter Linda Susan in 1950

Shirley with Charlie Jr. in 1952 and daughter Lori in 1954:
shirley temple with her children

shirley temple black

adult shirley temple pica

Shirley Temple’s program, Storybook, ran from 1958-1961:
Shirley Temple's Storybook 1958 to 1961

Shirley Temple with all her children, Charles, Lori, and Linda Susan in 1959:
Shirley Temple and kids in 1959

In the late 50 and 60s Shirley has a career in television and it was in the late 60’s that she became active with the Republican Party in California. In 1965, LIFE magazine profiled the star with wonderful photos by Alfred Eisenstadt.

1960 -1970:

shirley temple in life magazine

shirley temple in life magazine

shirley temple life magazine

1970 and on:

In 1972, Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was removed and a modified radical mastectomy performed. Following the operation, she announced it to the world via radio, television, and a February 1973 article for the magazine McCall’s. In doing so, she became one of the first prominent women to speak openly about breast cancer. (source: wikipedia)

She continued her active interest in politics through the 70s , 80s and 90s.
She was appointed Representative to the 24th United Nations General Assembly by President Richard M. Nixon (September – December 1969), and was appointed United States Ambassador to Ghana (December 6, 1974 – July 13, 1976) by President Gerald R. Ford.[99] She was appointed first female Chief of Protocol of the United States (July 1, 1976 – January 21, 1977), and was in charge of arrangements for President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration and inaugural ball.[99][100] She served as the United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (August 23, 1989 – July 12, 1992), having been appointed by President George H. W. Bush.

in politics

Taken at her home in Woodside, CA, 1978:

Shirley Temple poses in 1990 with her Life cover. Her 1934 honorary Academy Awards are on the piano behind her:
shirley temple black with life magazine

On The Red Carpet in 1998:

Another photo from 1998:
1998 shirley temple

1999 photo from People Magazine:

At the SAG awards in 2005, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award:
shirley temple black At the SAG awards in 2005,

And shown here at the 2006 SAG awards:
shirley temple black sag awards 2006

On February 10, 2014, the legendary actress and extraordinary woman passed away peacefully at her home in Woodside, California, surrounded by family and caregivers. She leaves behind an indelible mark and will be remembered fondly by the world.

May she forever Rest In Peace.