She Worked With Many Charities
Even as a child, Shirley had a soft spot for helping others. As an adult, she turned that compassion into a full-time mission. She worked with the American Red Cross, numerous arts foundations, and became a driving force behind the Multiple Sclerosis Society after her brother’s diagnosis. Eventually, she became the organization’s president, proving she was just as dedicated behind the scenes as she ever was on screen.
She Ran for U.S. Congress
In 1967, Shirley decided to take on a new stage — politics. Running as a Republican in California, she entered the race late but made it clear she was serious about representing women in government. She lost to Pete McCloskey, but her campaign launched a whole new chapter in her life — one that led her straight to international diplomacy.
Temple Was a U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia
Turns out, Shirley Temple could add “Madam Ambassador” to her résumé. After serving as a U.N. delegate under President Nixon, she was appointed U.S. ambassador to Ghana by President Ford in 1974. Later, under Reagan, she worked in the State Department, and in 1989, President George H.W. Bush named her ambassador to Czechoslovakia — just in time for the country’s Velvet Revolution. Not bad for someone who started out singing “On the Good Ship Lollipop.”
A Complicated Relationship With Henry Kissinger
Let’s just say Shirley didn’t let powerful men intimidate her. When she discussed Namibia with then–Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, he was shocked she even knew what it was. She later recalled him saying he liked having movie stars in positions where he could “make them come when I called.” (Yikes.) Shirley didn’t back down, though — even when her Ghana ambassadorship ended in a diplomatic mix-up, she handled it with trademark grace.
