Linda Susan Agar was born into Hollywood royalty on January 30, 1948, in Santa Monica, California, as the only child of Shirley Temple, one of the most famous child actors of all time, and John Agar, an actor and Army Air Forces officer. Her life, although not as publicized as her mother’s, was marked by the complexities of growing up in the spotlight, personal tragedies, and a journey of self-discovery. This article delves into Linda Susan’s life, exploring her family background, personal life, and the lesser-known aspects of her career.
Profile Summary Linda Susan Agar
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Linda Susan Agar |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Parents | Shirley Temple (mother), John Agar (father) |
| Spouse | Burton James Tidwell |
| Children | Teresa Caltabiano (daughter) |
| Date of Death | 2000 |
| Occupation | Brief acting career; personal life details remain private |
| Siblings | Half-siblings: Charles Alden Black Jr., Lori Black (mother’s side), John G. Agar III (father’s side) |
Early Life and Family Background
Linda Susan Agar was born on January 30, 1948, in Santa Monica, California, into the glamorous world of Hollywood. Her parents, Shirley Temple, one of the most famous child actresses of all time, and John Agar, an actor known for his roles in Westerns and sci-fi films, were both prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Her birth brought her into the limelight from an early age due to her mother’s iconic status.
Shirley Temple and John Agar met during World War II when Agar was serving in the Army Air Forces, and Temple was transitioning from child star to young adult actress. They married in 1945 when Temple was just 17 years old. The union, however, was short-lived; they divorced in 1950 when Linda was only two years old. Following the divorce, Linda’s upbringing was primarily under the guidance of her mother and her second husband, Charles Alden Black, whom Shirley married in 1950.
Linda Susan Agar Parents
John Agar John Agar was born on January 31, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois. He ventured into acting after serving as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Agar’s film career took off after marrying Shirley Temple, with whom he appeared in his debut film, “Fort Apache” (1948).
His early success in Hollywood led to roles in a mix of Western and science fiction films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Although his marriage to Temple ended in 1950, Agar continued acting, becoming a familiar face in B-movies and gaining a cult following for his work in the science fiction genre. He passed away on April 7, 2002, leaving behind a legacy in the film industry marked by his roles in classic American cinema.
Shirley Temple Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California, and rose to international fame as the most popular child star of the 1930s. Starring in box office hits such as “Bright Eyes” (1934), “Curly Top” (1935), and “Heidi” (1937), Temple charmed audiences with her singing, dancing, and acting during the Great Depression. After her marriage to John Agar ended in 1950, she married Charles Alden Black and gradually retired from film, embarking on a new career as a diplomat.
Temple served as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and later to Czechoslovakia, and also held a position as the Chief of Protocol of the United States. She was celebrated not only for her contributions to entertainment but also for her service in diplomacy. Shirley Temple Black passed away on February 10, 2014, remembered fondly both for her childhood stardom and her diplomatic achievements.
Linda Susan Agar Siblings
Charles Alden Black Jr. Charles Alden Black Jr. is the half-brother of Linda Susan Agar, born to Shirley Temple and her second husband, Charles Alden Black. While less is known about his personal life compared to his famous mother, Charles Jr. has maintained a relatively low profile. The details of his career and personal endeavors have not been widely publicized, reflecting a preference for privacy similar to that of his sister Linda.
Lori Black Lori Black, another half-sibling of Linda Susan Agar, is the daughter of Shirley Temple and Charles Alden Black. Born into a family with a rich cinematic heritage, Lori notably took a different path by venturing into music. She became a musician, known particularly for her role as the bassist in the influential alternative rock band The Melvins during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lori’s involvement in the music industry marks a distinct departure from the acting legacy of her mother, carving out her own niche in the arts.
John G. Agar III John G. Agar III is Linda Susan Agar’s half-brother from her father, John Agar’s second marriage to model Loretta Barnett Combs. Similar to other family members, John G. Agar III has kept a low profile, and consequently, little information is available about his life and career. This discretion seems to be a recurring trait among the Agar children, each choosing their own paths away from the spotlight their parents once occupied.
Professional Career
While Linda Susan Agar’s career did not mirror the intensity or fame of her mother’s, she dabbled in acting during the 1960s. Linda appeared in small roles in various films and television shows, often overshadowed by the towering legacy of her mother. Her acting career was brief and far less documented, leading many to wonder about the paths she might have explored had she not been born into such a high-profile family.
Personal Life
In her personal life, Linda was known to be intensely private, a stark contrast to the public lives led by her parents. She married Burton James Tidwell, and together they had a daughter, Teresa Caltabiano. Linda’s relationship with her mother remained close throughout her life, a bond that was often highlighted in rare public appearances. Despite the potential for a career in Hollywood, Linda chose a quieter life, focusing on her family and steering clear of the limelight that had defined her mother’s life.
Relationship with Shirley Temple
The relationship between Linda Susan and Shirley Temple was characterized by both warmth and complexity. Shirley’s own experiences as a child star and the pressures of Hollywood might have influenced her parenting. However, it is clear from public accounts and family friends that Shirley was a supportive and loving mother. This support was evident when Linda decided to step away from acting, a move that Shirley reportedly respected and supported, recognizing the difficulties of maintaining privacy and autonomy in the public eye.
Challenges and Triumphs
Linda Susan’s life was not without its challenges. Growing up as the daughter of one of the most recognizable faces in the world came with unique pressures. Her decision to lead a life away from the public eye can be seen as a triumph of personal choice over familial expectation. Her life, though less documented, was filled with the triumphs of normalcy and privacy, which were her ultimate aspirations.
Death and Memorials
Linda Susan Agar passed away in the year 2000. The details of her death were kept private, in line with her life’s pattern of staying out of the public sphere. Her passing was marked by tributes that celebrated her as a beloved mother and daughter, highlighting her role in the family rather than her brief public persona.
Linda Susan Agar’s Net Worth
Linda Susan Agar’s net worth is not known, as she maintained a private life away from the public eye. Raised by her mother, Shirley Temple, and stepfather Charles Alden Black after her parents’ divorce in 1950, Linda led a quiet life. She briefly acted in films but chose to focus on her family as a homemaker. In contrast, her mother, Shirley Temple, had a net worth of $30 million at the time of her passing.
Conclusion
Linda Susan Agar’s life story offers a glimpse into the complexities of growing up in Hollywood’s golden age, marked by the shadow of fame cast by her parents. Her life choices reflect a desire for normalcy and privacy, which she ultimately achieved. While she may not have sought the spotlight, her legacy as Shirley Temple’s daughter and her own quiet journey through life remain points of interest for those who look beyond the glitter of Hollywood to the real stories of those who lived within it.
(FAQs) About Linda Susan Agar
- Who was Linda Susan Agar?
Linda Susan Agar was the only daughter of the famous actress Shirley Temple and actor John Agar. Born on January 30, 1948, she led a relatively private life compared to her celebrity parents. - When and where was Linda Susan Agar born?
She was born on January 30, 1948, in Santa Monica, California, USA, during the height of her mother’s fame as a former child actress transitioning into other roles. - Who were Linda Susan Agar’s parents?
Her parents were Shirley Temple, an iconic child actress and later a diplomat, and John Agar, an actor known for his roles in Westerns and sci-fi films. - Did Linda Susan Agar have any siblings?
Linda did not have any full siblings but had three half-siblings from her parents’ other marriages: Charles Alden Black Jr. and Lori Black from her mother’s second marriage, and John G. Agar III from her father’s subsequent marriage. - What was Linda Susan Agar’s career?
Linda Susan had a brief acting career during the 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and TV series, but did not pursue acting as a long-term profession. - Was Linda Susan Agar married?
Yes, Linda Susan was married to Burton James Tidwell, and they maintained a life away from the public spotlight, emphasizing privacy and family. - Did Linda Susan Agar have children?
Yes, she had a daughter named Teresa Caltabiano, who survived her along with two grandchildren. - How did Linda Susan Agar’s relationship with her mother, Shirley Temple, influence her life?
Linda Susan and Shirley Temple had a close relationship; Shirley’s experience with fame likely influenced Linda’s decision to lead a more private life. - When did Linda Susan Agar pass away?
Linda Susan Agar passed away in the year 2000. The specific details of her death are not widely publicized, reflecting her lifelong preference for privacy. - What is the legacy of Linda Susan Agar?
While she chose a life out of the public eye, Linda Susan’s legacy is shaped by her personal choices that highlight a preference for normalcy and privacy, contrasting significantly with the public lives of her parents.