Linda Susan Agar was born on January 30, 1948, to Shirley Temple and John Agar, two prominent figures in the entertainment world during Hollywood’s golden era. Her arrival came at a time when Shirley Temple, the most famous child star in history, was transitioning into adult roles and her father, John Agar, was gaining recognition in war and science fiction films. From the moment she was born, Linda Susan was under the public eye, not by choice but by inheritance. However, unlike many celebrity children who grow up chasing the same limelight, Linda Susan charted a more private course.
Growing up, her life was undoubtedly colored by the fame of her mother, Shirley Temple. Despite the overwhelming attention from the media and the public, Temple was known for being an incredibly protective mother. She wanted Linda Susan to experience a normal childhood, something she herself never had due to her early rise to stardom. This commitment to normalcy had a profound influence on how Linda Susan would live the rest of her life—quietly and out of the media’s glare.
Quick Stats
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Linda Susan Agar |
Date of Birth | January 30, 1948 |
Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California |
Date of Death | 2000 |
Parents | Shirley Temple (mother), John Agar (father) |
Spouse | Burton James Tidwell |
Children | Teresa Caltabiano (daughter) |
Education | Details not publicly available |
Career | Actress, U.S. Government Official |
The Complex Relationship of Her Parents
Linda Susan Agar’s family life was not without turbulence. Her parents, Shirley Temple and John Agar, married young and divorced in 1950 when Linda Susan was only two years old. The reasons for the divorce were numerous, including John Agar’s alleged struggles with alcoholism and the pressures of being married to someone as globally recognized as Shirley Temple. Despite the separation, both parents remained involved in Linda Susan’s upbringing in their own ways.
While the divorce was public, Shirley Temple made a conscious effort to shield her daughter from media scrutiny. This period in Linda Susan’s early life was critical in defining her future choices. Rather than being dragged into scandal or using her family name to pursue fame, she appeared to take a different path entirely—choosing privacy over prominence. This decision set her apart from many celebrity children who often find themselves caught in the limelight.
A Life of Purpose Outside Hollywood

Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Linda Susan Agar’s life is that she chose not to follow her parents into the film industry. While she had every opportunity to leverage her lineage into a career in entertainment, she did not pursue acting or public endeavors. This might seem surprising, especially given her mother’s legendary status. However, it speaks volumes about the values instilled in her by Shirley Temple, who herself stepped away from acting to serve her country as a diplomat.
Reports indicate that Linda Susan pursued a more academic and grounded path. She attended good schools, stayed out of gossip columns, and never tried to trade on her family name. There’s something deeply admirable about a person who, despite the opportunity for fame, opts for a quiet, meaningful life instead. This has led many to respect Linda Susan for her choice to remain largely anonymous in an age where celebrity is often pursued at all costs.
Her Relationship with Shirley Temple
One cannot talk about Linda Susan Agar without acknowledging her close and impactful relationship with her mother, Shirley Temple. Beyond being a Hollywood star, Shirley Temple was a mother first. After retiring from acting, Temple served as a U.S. ambassador and dedicated herself to public service, but she never neglected her role as a parent. Those close to the family describe their relationship as strong and affectionate.
Linda Susan accompanied her mother on numerous diplomatic postings and was reportedly very supportive of her mother’s career in government. It was during this time that she was exposed to global politics, different cultures, and a life far removed from the red carpet. The respect and admiration between the two women were mutual. Shirley Temple often spoke with pride about her daughter’s accomplishments and her level-headed approach to life, in stark contrast to the chaotic world of entertainment.
Living Away from the Spotlight

One of the most intriguing aspects of Linda Susan Agar’s life is her complete absence from social media and entertainment headlines. Unlike many celebrity offspring, she has consistently maintained a low profile. There are few interviews, no tabloid scandals, and almost no public appearances that link her to her celebrity past. This anonymity may be surprising, but it aligns perfectly with how she was raised.
It is also a reflection of the lessons taught by her mother. Shirley Temple knew better than most the costs of fame. By ensuring her daughter had a chance at a normal life, Temple gave Linda Susan the tools to live away from the pressures of public expectation. This discretion has led many to admire Linda Susan Agar not for what she has done publicly, but for what she has chosen not to do—capitalize on a legacy she could have easily exploited.
Her Father’s Influence and Public Perception
John Agar, Linda Susan’s father, had his own successful career in film but struggled with the pressures of fame and personal demons. His relationship with Linda Susan was reportedly less stable than that of Shirley Temple, primarily due to the aftermath of the divorce and his own battles with alcoholism. Nevertheless, John Agar is still remembered for his contributions to cinema and for being part of one of Hollywood’s most famous couples of the 1940s.
While Linda Susan Agar has never spoken publicly about her father, her life choices suggest a maturity and thoughtfulness shaped in part by watching both of her parents handle fame in very different ways. Her desire for normalcy and her avoidance of the public eye may stem from witnessing firsthand the darker sides of celebrity culture.
Shirley Temple’s Passing and the Impact on Linda Susan

Shirley Temple passed away in 2014 at the age of 85, and though Linda Susan Agar was not in the media spotlight at the time, it is believed she was deeply affected by the loss of her mother. Temple was more than a parent—she was a role model, a mentor, and a lifelong support system. The passing marked the end of a personal era for Linda Susan, closing a chapter of both family history and cultural significance.
After Temple’s death, there was renewed interest in the life of Linda Susan Agar, with many wondering what became of the daughter of a global icon. But in keeping with her lifelong pattern, Linda Susan did not step forward to speak publicly. This silence spoke volumes, reaffirming her desire to live life on her own terms, separate from the spotlight that once surrounded her family.
The Legacy of a Quiet Life
While Linda Susan Agar may not have a Wikipedia page or Hollywood credits, her life tells a story that is just as important. It is a narrative of quiet strength, dignity, and the deliberate rejection of public fame. In a world that increasingly values virality and attention, her choice to live privately is both rare and commendable.
Linda Susan stands as a testament to the idea that one does not need to be constantly visible to be significant. Her legacy, although understated, is meaningful because it embodies the strength of character passed down from her remarkable mother. In many ways, she represents a continuation of Shirley Temple’s legacy—not in movies or politics, but in personal values and integrity.
Conclusion: More Than a Celebrity Child

In the end, Linda Susan Agar is far more than just the daughter of Shirley Temple and John Agar. She is a figure of quiet resilience, shaped by both the glamour and hardship of her unique upbringing. Though she has avoided fame, she remains a symbol of how one can live a full, meaningful life outside of the spotlight. Her story reminds us that true legacy is not just about public accolades but also about private choices, inner strength, and living authentically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the parents of Linda Susan Agar?
- Linda Susan Agar is the daughter of famous child actress Shirley Temple and actor John Agar.
2. Did Linda Susan Agar become an actress like her mother?
- No, Linda Susan Agar did not pursue a career in acting or enter the entertainment industry.
3. What is Linda Susan Agar known for?
- She is best known as the only daughter of Shirley Temple and for living a very private life away from the public eye.
4. Where is Linda Susan Agar now?
- Linda Susan Agar continues to live a private life, and little is known about her current whereabouts or personal activities.
5. How did Shirley Temple influence Linda Susan Agar’s life?
- Shirley Temple influenced her daughter by emphasizing the importance of a normal life, strong values, and independence, shaping Linda Susan’s decision to stay out of the spotlight.