During the 1930s, the Great Depression was in full swing. The Depression was a period in American history when the economy was horrible. Most people didn't have a job, and if they did, their wages were barely enough to feed their families. At that time, many people did not experience happiness very often due to their financial situation. However, there was one person who could turn any frown around, Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple, the most famous child star of her era, reached unprecedented heights at the box office during the height of the Great Depression and brought humor and happiness to people in a time of great need. Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California, at 9:00 p.m. - an important moment for her because it told her that she would always have some catching up to do if she wanted to be on time for the dinner (Black 5). As the youngest child and only girl in a family of five, she was her mother's pride and joy. She had two supportive parents, Gertrude and George, and two older brothers, Jack and George Junior. Gertrude Temple was a stay-at-home mother while George worked as a bank teller, which worked in Shirley's favor when she needed someone to manage her money later in life (Blashfield 55). Gertrude Temple was called the First Step Mother (Blashfield 22) for good reason. Shirley Temple was acting before she could read, so her mother helped her memorize her lines. Temple's mother served as her private costume designer and never failed to make the young star's performance her best yet, encouraging her to "Sparkle, Shirley Sparkle!" (David 2). Shirley Temple didn't go to kindergarten; his first schooling therefore began with private teachers hired by the studio. Frances Klampt, who I know affectionately... middle of paper ... In 2002, Fox Studios also erected a bronze statue of her next to the Shirley Temple Daycare. The plaque read “Inspiring children of all ages” (Bankston 29). Shirley Temple Black continues to inspire children today. She has made great achievements in the world of politics and in the world of childhood fame. She was the world's most popular star in the worst of times and always brought smiles and happiness wherever she went, in her life and in her films. Her name is still associated with fame, even though it's been over 50 years since she appeared in a film, let alone been a star. However, Shirley Temple Black continues to be a household name in homes around the world. The little girl with curls, who radiated enough happiness to bring a smile to everyone who saw her, even during the darkest days of the Depression, will never be forgotten..