Shirley Temple was probably the most popular and beloved American child star of all time, and she held the title of top box office draw from 1935 through 1938 all by herself. Single-handedly, this adorable, mop-topped, singing and dancing bundle of energy lifted the spirits of a Depression- worn population and gave them joy in the present and hope for the future. Little Shirley was apparently as cute and likeable off screen as on, and was given a sheltered and loving home life by her parents. She didn’t make the transition to adult stardom, and very wisely retired in 1950. After a short marriage to the actor John Agar, with whom she had a daughter, Shirley went on to marry California businessman Charles Black in 1950, with whom she had two children, and to whom she remained married until his death in 2005. Our Little Shirley was a Republican, a politician and a foreign ambassador, but she will always be remembered as the little darling who danced with Bill Robinson and who exhorted us to join her “On The Good Ship Lollipopâ€. This lovely 85 year old woman will always be about five years old in our hearts.
