Linda Susan Agar was a woman of many facets, known primarily as the daughter of the legendary child actress Shirley Temple and her first husband, John Agar. Born into Hollywood royalty, Linda Susan Agar’s life intertwined with fame, but she chose a path of relative privacy and public service. This article delves into the life and legacy of Linda Susan Agar, exploring her early years, family dynamics, personal life, career, and the impact she left behind.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family Background
Linda Susan Agar was born on January 30, 1948, in Santa Monica, California. She was the first and only daughter of Shirley Temple, one of Hollywood’s most iconic child actors, and John Agar, an actor known for his roles in Westerns and science fiction films. Her birth was a significant event, covered by the media due to her parents’ fame.
Childhood and Upbringing
Despite the spotlight on her family, not much is known about Linda Susan Agar’s early life. Her parents divorced when she was just two years old, in 1950. Following the divorce, she was primarily raised by her mother, Shirley Temple, who later married businessman Charles Alden Black. Linda Susan grew up with her half-siblings, Charles Alden Black Jr. and Lori Black, in a family environment that, despite its public interest, was shielded from excessive media exposure.
Parents’ Influence and Relationships
Shirley Temple and John Agar
Shirley Temple and John Agar met in 1943 when Temple was only 15 years old. Agar was serving in the Army Air Forces at the time. Their whirlwind romance led to their marriage in 1945, which was widely publicized. However, the pressures of Hollywood and personal differences led to their divorce in 1950. Despite the end of their marriage, both maintained significant public personas, with Temple continuing her career in acting and later public service, and Agar pursuing roles in various films.
Stepparents and Siblings
After her divorce from John Agar, Shirley Temple married Charles Alden Black, a distinguished businessman and naval officer, in 1950. This marriage brought stability to Linda Susan’s life. She gained two half-siblings, Charles Alden Black Jr. and Lori Black. Lori Black, in particular, made a name for herself as a bassist in the grunge band Melvins. Linda also had step-siblings from her father’s subsequent marriage to Loretta Barnett Combs, including Martin Agar and John G. Agar III.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Linda Susan Agar married Burton James Tidwell, and together they had a daughter, Teresa Caltabiano. Despite her family’s public persona, Linda Susan chose to live a private life, away from the relentless glare of the media. Her marriage and family life remained largely out of the public eye, reflecting her preference for privacy.
Relationships with Family Members
Linda Susan Agar had a close and intimate relationship with her mother, Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple’s influence was significant, shaping Linda Susan’s values and life choices. The bond between them was evident in how Linda Susan lived her life, maintaining a sense of dignity and privacy despite her connections to fame.
Career
Acting Career
Linda Susan Agar followed in her mother’s footsteps to some extent, appearing in a few films during the late 1950s. Her notable appearances include minor roles in “The Bachelor Party” (1957), “Fort Apache” (1948), and “Reform School Girl” (1957). She also featured in the 1958 TV series “Shirley Temple’s Storybook,” which was a stepping stone to her brief stint in acting.
Government Positions
After her short-lived acting career, Linda Susan Agar transitioned to public service, where she made significant contributions. She served as the United States Chief of Protocol from 1989 to 1993 under President George H. W. Bush. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the formalities and protocols during state functions, ensuring the smooth conduct of diplomatic relations. Later, she was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic in 2003, a position she held until 2006. Her tenure in these high-profile roles underscored her capability and dedication to public service.
Later Life and Death
Life After Career
After her illustrious career in public service, Linda Susan Agar chose to retire from public life. She dedicated her time to her family and personal interests. Despite her connections to some of the most influential people in Hollywood and government, she managed to maintain a low profile, reflecting her desire for privacy.
Death
Linda Susan Agar passed away in 2000 in California. The cause of her death was not made public, consistent with her lifetime preference for privacy. Her death marked the end of a life lived with grace, away from the shadows of her famous mother and father.
Legacy
Impact and Contributions
Linda Susan Agar’s legacy is multifaceted. She is remembered for her brief contributions to the film industry and her significant role in public service. Her work as the United States Chief of Protocol and later as Ambassador to the Czech Republic highlights her dedication to serving her country.
Family Legacy
Linda Susan Agar’s life and career were undoubtedly influenced by her mother, Shirley Temple. The values and lessons imparted by Shirley Temple were evident in Linda Susan’s approach to life and work. Her legacy continues through her daughter, Teresa Caltabiano, and her grandchildren, who carry forward the family name with pride.
Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts
- Godmother: Linda Susan Agar’s godmother was Linda Darnell, a renowned actress, after whom she was named.
- Step-Siblings: Besides her half-siblings from her mother’s second marriage, she also had step-siblings from her father’s subsequent marriage to Loretta Barnett Combs.
- Lori Black: One of her half-sisters, Lori Black, was a bassist in the grunge band Melvins, showcasing the diverse talents within the family.
- Privacy: Despite her connections to fame, Linda Susan Agar managed to lead a life of relative privacy, a testament to her desire for a normal life.
Conclusion
Linda Susan Agar led a life that was both intriguing and inspiring. Born into Hollywood royalty, she carved her own path, balancing between the world of fame and public service. Her life story is a testament to the impact of family, the importance of privacy, and the value of public service. Through her roles in the government and her dedication to her family, Linda Susan Agar left a legacy that continues to be remembered and respected.
FAQs
Q: Who was Linda Susan Agar? Linda Susan Agar was the daughter of Shirley Temple and her former husband, John Agar. She was born on January 30, 1948, in Santa Monica, CA.
Q: Who were Linda Susan Agar’s parents? Linda Susan Agar’s parents were Shirley Temple, a renowned child actor and diplomat, and John Agar, an actor. They married in 1945 and divorced in 1950. Linda Susan Agar was their only daughter.
Q: What was Linda Susan Agar’s career? Linda Susan Agar had a brief acting career, appearing in small roles in various films and TV series. She later held several high-profile positions in the United States government, including United States Chief of Protocol and Ambassador to the Czech Republic.
Q: Who were Linda Susan Agar’s siblings? Linda Susan Agar had two younger half-siblings, Charles Alden Black Jr. and Lori Black, from her mother’s second marriage. She also had two step-siblings, Martin Agar and John G. Agar III, from her father’s marriage to Loretta Barnett Combs.
Q: What was Linda Susan Agar’s net worth? As of 2023, it is unknown what Linda Susan Agar’s net worth was. At the time of her death in 2014, her mother, Shirley Temple, had a net worth of $30 million.
