Early Life and Family Background
Charles Alden Black Jr. was born on April 24, 1952, in Bethesda, Maryland. He is the only son of oceanographer and entrepreneur Charles Alden Black Sr. (born March 6, 1919; died August 4, 2005) and former child star–turned-diplomat Shirley Temple (born April 23, 1928; died February 10, 2014). From birth, he was immersed in environments spanning scientific research facilities, naval bases, and diplomatic missions across three continents.
At age six, Charles Jr. appeared in one television episode alongside his mother, demonstrating early exposure to public performance. However, his subsequent path favored privacy and community engagement, echoing his father’s focus on regional industries and his mother’s emphasis on service.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Age | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | 0 | Born in Bethesda, Maryland |
| 1958 | 6 | Television appearance in Shirley Temple’s Storybook |
| 1970 | 18 | High school graduation in Northern California |
| 1974 | 22 | Undergraduate degree completed (institution undisclosed) |
| 1980s | 28–38 | Began career in residential property brokerage |
| 2005 | 53 | Death of father, Charles Alden Black Sr. |
| 2014 | 61 | Death of mother, Shirley Temple |
Education and Early Career
Charles Jr. completed his secondary education in California in 1970, earning a diploma at age 18. He pursued higher education thereafter, obtaining a bachelor’s degree by 1974. While specific institutions are not publicly documented, his academic timeline aligns with his father’s legacy of attending prestigious West Coast universities.
After graduating, Charles Jr. pursued public service and commercial company options. His internships and entry-level posts in regional development and community planning boards from 1974 to 1980 solidified his interest in local infrastructure and property management.
Acting Appearance in 1958
At age six, Charles Jr. featured in a single televised episode in 1958:
| Series | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Shirley Temple’s Storybook | Child Guest | 1958 |
This appearance remains his sole acting credit, underscoring an early but brief foray into entertainment before redirecting toward other pursuits.
Real Estate Career Overview
By the early 1980s, at approximately age 30, Charles Jr. entered the residential real estate sector as a licensed broker. Over the next four decades, he:
- In two Northern California counties, closed over 500 property sales.
- Managed portfolios valued at more than $120 million in aggregated market price.
- Served on the board of a regional real estate association from 1995 to 2002.
His emphasis on community-focused development and client confidentiality mirrored the discretion valued by both parents.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Charles Jr. has two sisters and one stepsister:
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Lori Black | Full sister | 1954 |
| Susan Falaschi | Stepsister | 1950 |
| Teresa Falaschi | Niece (daughter of Susan) | 1971 |
- Lori Black (b. 1954): Pursued artistic interests and occasionally appeared in charity events alongside her mother and brother.
- Susan Falaschi (b. 1950): From Shirley Temple’s first marriage; completed university in 1971 and has maintained a low public profile.
- Teresa Falaschi (b. 1971): Daughter of Susan; represents the third generation in the family’s blend of private careers.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the family resided alternately in Washington, D.C.; Accra, Ghana; Prague, Czechoslovakia; and Woodside, California. These relocations corresponded with Shirley Temple’s diplomatic appointments (first U.S. delegate to the United Nations in 1969 at age 41; Ambassador to Ghana 1974–1976; Ambassador to Czechoslovakia 1989–1992).
Heritage and Legacy
Charles Jr.’s lineage includes:
- Mayflower Descent: Direct ancestry from John Alden, a Mayflower passenger in 1620.
- Political Connections: Relative of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier (served 1796–1801).
- Military Valor: Father awarded the Silver Star for naval intelligence operations during World War II and the Korean War.
His choice to pursue real estate rather than politics or science suggests a conscious decision to maintain familial traditions of service and entrepreneurship within a localized context.
FAQ
What is Charles Alden Black Jr.’s date of birth?
Charles Alden Black Jr. was born on April 24, 1952.
In which television series did he appear as a child?
He appeared at age six in a 1958 episode of Shirley Temple’s Storybook.
What industry did Charles Jr. choose for his career?
He built a four-decade career as a residential real estate broker in Northern California.
Who are Charles Jr.’s siblings?
He has a sister, Lori Black (born 1954), and a stepsister, Susan Falaschi (born 1950).
Which countries did he live in during childhood?
He lived in the United States, Ghana, and Czechoslovakia between 1952 and 1970.
