Profile of the Day: Shirley Temple

Do you love watching old Shirley Temple movies? Today we remember the beloved child actor, who passed away on this day in 2014 at the age of 85.

Image: Shirley Temple / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, CC0

Temple was born on April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, California. She was first discovered in a dancing class at the age of 3 and was cast in Baby Burlesks, a series of short films that satirized recent film and political events using preschool children in every role.

Throughout the Great Depression, Temple starred in a series of uplifting films that offered the public optimism and hope during a time of despair. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had even dubbed her “Little Miss Miracle” for her power to lift morale.

After retiring from acting, Temple focused on her political career. She was appointed a United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia and served as Chief of Protocol of the United States.

What’s your favorite movie?

Explore Shirley Temple’s family tree and discover how you’re related to the iconic child star!

View Shirley Temple’s Geni Profile