Known mostly as the daughter of the renowned child actor Shirley Temple and her first husband, John Agar, Linda Susan Agar was a multifaceted woman. Although her life was entwined with fame, Linda Susan Agar, who was born into Hollywood royalty, opted for a career of public service and relative privacy. This article explores Linda Susan Agar’s life and legacy, including her early years, family dynamics, personal life, profession, and legacy.
Table of Contents
Early Years and Upbringing
Birth and Family History
On January 30, 1948, Linda Susan Agar was born in Santa Monica, California. She was the first and only child of John Agar, an actor best known for his work in science fiction and Westerns, and Shirley Temple, one of Hollywood’s most famous child actors. Because of her parents’ notoriety, her birth was a noteworthy event that was reported by the media.
Early Life and Parenting
Although her family is in the news, nothing is known about Linda Susan Agar’s early years. In 1950, when she was just two years old, her parents got divorced. Her mother, Shirley Temple, who subsequently wed businessman Charles Alden Black, reared her mainly after the divorce. The familial setting in which Linda Susan grew up with her half-siblings, Charles Alden Black Jr. and Lori Black, was protected from excessive media attention despite its public interest.
The Relationships and Influence of Parents
John Agar and Shirley Temple
When Shirley Temple was just 15 years old in 1943, she met John Agar. At the time, Agar was in the Army Air Forces. Their highly publicized marriage in 1945 was the result of their frenzied affair. However, they divorced in 1950 due to personal conflicts and the demands of Hollywood. Both of them retained prominent public personalities even after their marriage ended, with Agar pursuing roles in other movies and Temple maintaining her acting career and subsequently entering public service.
Siblings and stepparents
Shirley Temple married renowned businessman and navy commander Charles Alden Black in 1950 following her divorce from John Agar. Linda Susan’s life became stable as a result of this marriage. Lori Black and Charles Alden Black Jr. were her two new half-siblings. Specifically, Lori Black gained notoriety as the bassist for the grunge band Melvins. In addition, Linda had step-siblings, John G. Agar III and Martin Agar, from her father’s second marriage to Loretta Barnett Combs.
Individual Life
Family and Marriage
Teresa Caltabiano was the daughter of Linda Susan Agar and Burton James Tidwell. Despite her family’s public image, Linda Susan made the decision to lead a secluded life away from the constant scrutiny of the press. She preferred solitude, as evidenced by the fact that her marriage and family life was mostly hidden from the public.
Family Relationships
A deep and personal bond existed between Linda Susan Agar and her mother, Shirley Temple. Linda Susan’s principles and life decisions were greatly influenced by Shirley Temple. Their relationship was demonstrated by the way Linda Susan lived her life, preserving her privacy and dignity in spite of her celebrity connections.
Career
Career in Acting
To some degree, Linda Susan Agar continued her mother’s legacy by making a few cinematic appearances in the late 1950s. Notable appearances include cameos in the 1957 film The Bachelor Party, the 1948 film Fort Apache, and the 1957 film Reform School Girl. In addition, she appeared in the 1958 television series “Shirley Temple’s Storybook,” which served as a prelude to her brief acting career.
Positions in the Government
Following a brief career in acting, Linda Susan Agar moved into public service, where she made important achievements. Under President George H. W. Bush, she was the US Chief of Protocol from 1989 to 1993. In this capacity, she was in charge of making sure that diplomatic relations ran smoothly by supervising the procedures and formalities during state functions. Later, in 2003, she was named Ambassador of the United States to the Czech Republic, a post she kept until 2006. Her time in these prominent positions demonstrated her aptitude and commitment to public service.
Death and Later Life
Life After Work
Linda Susan Agar made the decision to leave public life after her distinguished career in public service. She committed her time to her hobbies and family. She kept a low profile, indicating her desire for seclusion, even though she had links to some of the most powerful figures in Hollywood and government.
Death
In 2000, Linda Susan Agar died in California. According to her lifelong desire for privacy, the cause of her death was not disclosed. She lived a graceful life away from the shadow of her well-known parents before passing away.
Legacy
Effects and Inputs
There are several facets to Linda Susan Agar’s legacy. Her noteworthy involvement in public service and her limited contributions to the film industry are what people remember about her. Her commitment to serving her nation is demonstrated by her service as the US Chief of Protocol and then as Ambassador to the Czech Republic.
Legacy in the Family
Without a question, Linda Susan Agar’s mother, Shirley Temple, had an impact on her life and profession. Linda Susan’s outlook on life and her career reflected the principles and teachings Shirley Temple instilled in her. Teresa Caltabiano, her daughter, and her grandkids proudly uphold the family name, carrying on her tradition.
Facts and Little-Known Information
- Linda is the godmother. Susan Agar was named after her famous actress godmother, Linda Darnell.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Question
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.