SAG-AFTRA Releases Statement on Passing of Shirley Temple Black

Shirley Temple Black, the 42nd Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement honoree, died Monday at the age of 85. Black captivated the world as no other child star has done before or since, and then went on to serve her country as an eminent diplomat over more than three decades.

SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard said, "Shirley was a terrific actor whose vibrancy and brilliance set audiences on fire at a crucial time in our nation's history. More important, she was a conscientious and caring citizen whose work on behalf of her union and her country exemplified true service. She'll be greatly missed by so many, but never forgotten.

"She was a true icon of the entertainment industry and beloved of our her colleagues in the acting profession. Shirley simply epitomized the word "star". There are few more deserving of her accolades and I am personally so pleased that she was a recipient of our Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award."

In accepting her 2005 award from the union, Black said, "I'm indeed honored to receive the Life Achievement Award from my peers ... When I was three years old, I was delighted to be told that I was an actress, even though I didn't know what an actress was.

"I'd been blessed with three wonderful careers: motion pictures and television, wife, mother and grandmother, and diplomatic services, for the United States government. I have one piece of advice for those of you who want to receive the Life Achievement Award: start early!"