Temple, Shirley

Shirley Temple (1928–2014) was the preeminent child film star of the 20th century, and during the 1930s, one of Hollywood’s most successful and well-known actors. This entry critically examines the life and career of Temple, her contributions to the American film industry, and her influence on American popular culture.

Early Years

Temple appeared in 60 feature films from 1932 to 1963 as well as a series of comic shorts produced in the early 1930s. In addition to popular and critical acclaim, she was honored with various awards throughout her career. She won the first Juvenile Academy Award in 1934, Kennedy Centers Honors in 1998, and the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Temple was not, of course, the first child star. Silent films featured ...

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