I’m deeply saddened by the news today – Shirley Temple has passed at age 85. My thoughts brought me to my childhood. My mother infused me with her movies and music. I even had a beautiful Shirley Temple Doll that sat upon my dresser. Besides my beloved doll, my most treasured memories are singing to my LP vinyl, The Best of Shirley Temple, “Animal crackers in my soup…..” . Her bouncing curls and infectious, pure personality are a rare find these days. I would like to thank her for my special memories as I know she has touched so many others through out her life.
Shirley Temple became a nationwide sensation in 1935 when she won a special Academy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Screen Entertainment. Her vast popularity incited President Franklin D. Roosevelt to say “As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.”
Over a year following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Academy Award nomination on February 23, 1939, Shirley Temple presented Walt Disney with an award for the first animated feature length film. Walt was quite nervous, so Shirley being an on-screen veteran, soothed his nerves before presenting him with one large statue and seven smaller ones. “Isn’t it bright and shiny?” asked Shirley. “Oh it’s beautiful”, Walt said. “Aren’t you proud of it?” she asked. “I’m so proud of it I think I’ll bust,” Walt grinned widely. “Oh don’t do that Mr. Disney!” Their charming exchange brought down the house.
Walt Disney adored Shirley and included her in a 1939 cartoon alongside Donald Duck. Later on in her years in 1974, she served on the board of directors for the Walt Disney Company
To read more about Shirley Temple Black’s accomplished life go to: http://wivb.com/2014/02/11/shirley-temple-passes-away-at-85/
~ Maureen