A childhood friend of actress Shirley Temple reveals details of her unique upbringing in John Kasson’s book, The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression: Shirley Temple and the 1930s America.
Marilyn Granas grew up with Shirley and was her closest friend and movie stand-in. Shirley was only 3 years old when she entered show business.
Marilyn Granas says Shirley’s childhood birthday gifts were donated to charity
According to Radar, all of Shirley’s birthday parties took place at the 20th Century Fox studio commissary. Marilyn, who passed away last year at 98, sat next to her friend and the gift pile as everyone sang happy birthday. “But it was my understanding that Shirley never saw any of the presents,” Marilyn said. “They all went to charity.”
This was only one example of Shirley missing out on a normal childhood tradition. An aspiring ballerina as a child, Shirley’s mother, Gertrude, “did everything a stage mother would do,” wrote John in his book. “She had no problem walking up to the president of 20th Century Fox, who produced the little star’s films. She was her daughter’s acting coach, her hairdresser and her defender.”
Marilyn also watched out for Shirley, protecting her from others and making sure she was always front and center. She also carefully chose her friends, of which Marilyn was one of the few she approved of.
Shirley, who became one of the most well-known child stars with movies like Little Miss Marker and Bright Eyes, appreciated her mother’s dedication. “She did not push me into anything. I loved what I did,” she said.
Marilyn recalled Gertrude was happy to have a daughter after two boys. “Mrs. Temple told my mother that she started training her when she was still in her crib,” Marilyn said. “Her mother would say, ‘Sparkle, Shirley,’ and she would sparkle.”
Shirley married twice, had three children and had a second career as a diplomat. She died at age 84 in 2014.
TELL US – IS FAME WORTH MISSING OUT ON A NORMAL CHILDHOOD?
