SURVIVING STARDOM

Study Notes

Shirley Temple

Made her first film at the age of 4 as a talented singer and tap dancer
Became the first child to win an AAO Oscar
Experienced a decline in her film career in her 20s and was divorced at 21
Pursued a successful career as an international diplomat, representing the USA at the United Nations and serving as an ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia

Elizabeth Taylor

Starred as a child in sentimental films of the 1940s, including the Lassie series
Became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood by the 1960s
Had eight marriages, including twice to actor Richard Burton
Struggled with alcoholism and weight problems in the 1970s, but became a campaigner and fund-raiser for AIDS charities in the 1980s

Jodie Foster

Amazed critics and was nominated for an Oscar at 12 for her role in the 1976 film Taxi Driver
Was stalked by a mad fan, John Hinckley, who shot President Reagan in 1981 in an attempt to re-enact the film
Has had an accomplished career as an actress and director, winning two Oscars for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs
Is known as one of the most secretive and publicity-shy actresses in Hollywood

Drew Barrymore

Comes from a large acting family, with her grandfather John being a classical British actor in the 1930s and her father an actor
Starred in the blockbuster movie ET at 7, directed by her godfather Steven Spielberg
Struggled with drugs, entering rehab and attempting suicide by 16, and separated from her parents
Overcame her problems and has made successful films since the age of 21, including Scream and Charlie's Angels

Macaulay Culkin

Became the most highly-paid child star ever in the 1990s with the Home Alone films, earning an estimated $30 million at 10
Experienced a bitter custody battle between his parents in 1994 and obtained a legal separation from his father, gaining control over his finances
Got married at 17 but divorced two years later
Has had successful roles in the theatre, despite not making a film since 1994

Description

Explore the life of Shirley Temple, the iconic child star of the 1930s who transitioned into a successful career as an international diplomat. Learn about her early Hollywood success, challenges as an adult actress, and contributions to politics and diplomacy.