Shirley Temple Black, an iconic figure during the Great Depression, “peacefully passed away” Monday evening at the age of 85, her family said in a statement.
“We salute her for a life of remarkable achievements as an actor, as a diplomat, and most importantly as our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and adored wife of fifty-five years,” the statement said.
The dimpled, curly hair cherub tap-danced into the hearts of Americans, during a time when the country was facing extreme financial difficulties.
Black, born April 23, 1923, began dancing at the age of three. Soon after, she appeared in films, “Stand Up and Cheer!”, “Little Miss Marker” and “Bright Eyes.” Her image spawned dolls and other Shirley Temple memorabilia. She would retire from show business at 21. Black wouldn’t stop there.
She would later become a U.S Diplomat, becoming an Ambassador to Ghana, Czechoslovakia and Prague.
“I have no trouble being taken seriously as a woman and a diplomat here,” said Black after being appointed as ambassador to Ghana in 1974. “My only problems have been with Americans who, in the beginning, refused to believe I had grown up since my movies.”
Shirley Temple Black leaves behind children, Lori, Susan, Charlie Jr., granddaughter Teresa and great-granddaughters Lily and Emma.
-Chika Dunu (smearedmascaraa)
