When we talk about Shirley Temple, we're talking about a star who truly came into her own at just the right moment in history. According to Angela Cartwright, author of Styling the Stars: Lost Treasures From the Twentieth Century Fox Archive, speaking exclusively to Closer Weekly, Shirley's rise to fame was nothing short of a beacon of hope during the dark days of the Great Depression. "She lifted everyone's confidence and reminded us that not everything was bad," Angela says in the latest issue of Closer Weekly, now available on newsstands.
Shirley Temple: A Force of Nature
From Child Star to Timeless Icon
Actresses like Ann Jillian have nothing but admiration for Shirley. "From the time she was a little girl, with those dimples and incredible talent, and then as the wonderful woman she matured into, she was a force of nature," Ann shares. It wasn't just her talent that made Shirley stand out; it was her spirit and the way she carried herself. She wasn't just an actress; she was a symbol of resilience and joy during one of America's toughest periods.
The Brightness of Shirley Temple's Movies
Read also:Jenna Bush Hager Finds Fulfillment In Writing But Stays True To Her Roots On Today
A Star Who Never Lost Her Wholesomeness
Shirley’s movies were more than just entertainment. They were a source of inspiration and joy for millions. Her bright persona and the hardworking characters she portrayed connected deeply with fans. As actress Beverly Washburn, known for her role in Old Yeller, once said, Shirley never came across as a spoiled brat or overly precocious child. "There was just something so wholesome about her," Beverly recalled. It wasn't just her charm; it was her authenticity that made her unforgettable.Shirley Temple: A Lady Through and Through
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Even as she grew older, Shirley remained a lady in every sense of the word. Actress Ruta Lee once remarked how Shirley never acted "less than a lady." Beyond her acting career, Shirley used her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer. Diagnosed in 1972, she made it her mission to encourage women to get checked. Her advocacy extended beyond the screen, touching the lives of countless women.A Heartfelt Connection
When actress Ann Jillian underwent surgery for breast cancer in 1985, she reached out to Shirley, her former co-star from Shirley Temple’s Storybook. Despite not having a close relationship, Shirley took the time to check in on Ann. "I picked up the phone and someone says, 'Hello, my name is Shirley Temple Black. I just wanted to ask how you were doing because I had breast cancer myself,'" Ann shares. That simple act of kindness revealed Shirley's true character.
