Early Life and Education of Shirley Temple: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Shirley Temple. From birth to education, explore key events.

Shirley Temple Black was a prominent American figure known for her multifaceted career. Rising to fame as a child actress, she captivated audiences with her performances as Hollywood's top box-office star from 1934 to 1938. Beyond her entertainment career, Temple transitioned into diplomacy, serving as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Further demonstrating her commitment to public service, she held the position of Chief of Protocol of the United States, leaving a lasting impact in both entertainment and international relations.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 23, 1928: Shirley Temple's Birth

On April 23, 1928, Shirley Jane Temple, later known as Shirley Temple Black, was born. She became a famous American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat.

Others born on this day/year

1932: Contract with Educational Pictures

In 1932, Shirley Temple signed a contract with Educational Pictures after being spotted by casting director Charles Lamont.

1932: Small Role in 'The Red-Haired Alibi'

In 1932, Shirley Temple was lent to Tower Productions for a small role in the film 'The Red-Haired Alibi'.

December 7, 1933: Audition for Stand Up and Cheer!

On December 7, 1933, Shirley Temple auditioned for and won a part in the film 'Stand Up and Cheer!'

December 21, 1933: Contract Extension with Fox

On December 21, 1933, Shirley Temple's contract was extended to one year by Fox, and her mother was hired as her hairdresser and personal coach.

1933: Roles in 'Glad Rags to Riches', 'Kid 'in' Africa' and 'Runt Page'

In 1933, Shirley Temple appeared in 'Glad Rags to Riches', a parody of Mae West's 'She Done Him Wrong', as well as 'Kid 'in' Africa' and 'Runt Page'.

1933: Roles with Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Pictures

In 1933, Shirley Temple was lent to Universal, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Pictures for various parts, including an uncredited role in 'To the Last Man'.

May 1934: Release of Stand Up and Cheer!

In May 1934, 'Stand Up and Cheer!' was released and became Shirley Temple's breakthrough film.

July 1934: Increased Film Quota

In July 1934, Shirley Temple's contract was amended, increasing her film quota from three to four films per year.

July 18, 1934: Salary Increase and Image Control

On July 18, 1934, Shirley Temple's salary was raised to $1,000 per week, her mother's salary was raised, and steps were taken to regain control over the use of her image.

1934: Release of Bright Eyes

In 1934, 'Bright Eyes' was released, featuring Shirley Temple's signature song, 'On the Good Ship Lollipop'.

1934: Breakthrough Performance in Stand Up and Cheer!

In 1934, Shirley Temple had a breakthrough performance in the film 'Stand Up and Cheer!', leading to a contract with Fox.

1935: Salary Increase

By the end of 1935, Shirley Temple's salary was $2,500 per week.

1935: Appearance in 'The Little Colonel'

In 1935, Shirley Temple appeared in 'The Little Colonel' with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, performing the famous staircase dance.

1937: Release of 'Heidi'

In 1937, 'Heidi' was the only Temple film released. A dream sequence was added midway through shooting.

May 1938: Advertisement in The Hollywood Reporter

In May 1938, Shirley Temple was included in an advertisement in 'The Hollywood Reporter' as one of the actors who deserved their salaries.

September 1939: Enrollment in Westlake School for Girls

In September 1939, Shirley Temple enrolled in the Westlake School for Girls as a seventh grader.

1940: Fitzgerald's Babylon Revisited Film Project

In 1940, Lester Cowan bought the rights to F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'Babylon Revisited' and wanted Shirley Temple to star, but the project was shelved.

1941: Release of 'Kathleen'

In 1941, Shirley Temple's film 'Kathleen' was released by MGM, but it was relatively unsuccessful.

March 4, 1942: Debut of Junior Miss Radio Series

On March 4, 1942, Shirley Temple's radio series 'Junior Miss' debuted on CBS, with her playing the title role.

August 26, 1942: End of Junior Miss Radio Series

On August 26, 1942, Shirley Temple's radio series 'Junior Miss' ended its run on CBS.

1942: Release of 'Miss Annie Rooney'

In 1942, Shirley Temple's film 'Miss Annie Rooney' was released for United Artists but was unsuccessful.

1943: Met John Agar

In 1943, 15-year-old Shirley Temple met 22-year-old John Agar.

May 1945: Graduation from Westlake School for Girls

In May 1945, Shirley Temple graduated from the Westlake School for Girls.

1945: Marriage to John Agar

In 1945, at age 17, Shirley Temple married John Agar.

1947: Appearance in 'That Hagen Girl'

In 1947, Shirley Temple appeared in the film 'That Hagen Girl' with future U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

1948: Birth of Linda Susan Agar

In 1948, Shirley Temple gave birth to her daughter, Linda Susan Agar.

1950: Divorce from John Agar

In 1950, Shirley Temple divorced John Agar on the grounds of mental cruelty.

1950: Retirement from Full-Length Films

In 1950, Shirley Temple formally announced her retirement from full-length films.

1950: Met Charles Alden Black

In 1950, Shirley Temple met Charles Alden Black at a cocktail party in Hawaii.

1958: Shirley Temple's Storybook series

In 1958, Shirley Temple hosted, narrated, and occasionally acted in an anthology series of fairy tale adaptations called Shirley Temple's Storybook, aired as a series of specials on ABC.

Loading Video...

September 10, 1961: End of 'The Shirley Temple Show'

On September 10, 1961, 'The Shirley Temple Show' ended its broadcast on NBC.

Loading Video...

August 1968: Witness to Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia

In August 1968, Shirley Temple, as a representative of the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies, was in Prague and witnessed the Soviet-backed forces invade Czechoslovakia.

1969: Diplomatic Career at the United Nations

In 1969, Shirley Temple began her diplomatic career, representing the U.S. at a session of the United Nations General Assembly under Ambassador Charles Yost.

1972: Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

In 1972, at age 44, Shirley Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her public disclosure of the diagnosis was a significant milestone in improving breast cancer awareness.