Shirley Temple Black Before political life Years in office: 1989 to 1992 , Office: Former U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia, Republican Political life : She was appointed by Richard M. Nixon representative to the United Nations and later ambassador to Ghana Gerald R. Ford appointed her before serving in her Czech post. Shirley Temple Black (born April 23, 1928) , born Shirley Jane Temple, is an American film and television actress, singer, dancer, autobiographer, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She began her film career in 1932 at the age of four and in 1934, skyrocketed to superstardom in Bright Eyes, a feature film designed specifically for her talents. She received a special Academy Award in February 1935, and film hits such as Curly Top and Heidi followed year after year during the mid to late 1930s. Licensed merchandise that capitalized on her wholesome image included dolls, dishes, and clothing. Her box office popularity waned as she reached ado...