Who was John Agar?
John Agar was an American actor who rose to fame in the late 1940s and early 1950s, starring in several westerns and war films alongside John Wayne and Henry Fonda. He is also known for being the first husband of Shirley Temple, the child star who captivated the world with her curly hair and dimples.
Agar met Temple in 1943, when he was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was asked to escort her to a Hollywood party. They fell in love and got married in 1945, when Temple was only 17 years old. They had a daughter, Linda Susan, in 1948.
However, their marriage was not a happy one. Agar struggled to cope with the fame and pressure that came with being married to America’s sweetheart. He developed a drinking problem and became violent and abusive towards Temple. He also had several affairs and was arrested for driving under the influence. Temple filed for divorce in 1949, accusing Agar of mental cruelty. She was granted sole custody of their daughter.
How did John Agar die?
After his divorce from Temple, Agar’s career suffered a setback. He was shunned by the public and the industry for mistreating the beloved actress. He found a niche in low-budget science fiction and horror movies, such as Tarantula, The Mole People, and The Brain from Planet Arous. He also appeared in some supporting roles in John Wayne’s films, such as The Undefeated and Chisum.
Agar continued to battle with alcoholism and health issues for the rest of his life. He was diagnosed with emphysema, a lung disease that causes shortness of breath and coughing. He died of complications from emphysema on April 7, 2002, in Burbank, California. He was 81 years old. He was buried next to his second wife, Loretta Combs, who died in 2000.
According to The Celebrity Deaths, Agar’s death was announced by his daughter, who said, “He was a wonderful father and a good man.” According to The List, Temple, who had remarried and became a diplomat, said of Agar’s death, “I hope he has peace.”
What is John Agar’s legacy?
John Agar’s legacy is a mixed one. On one hand, he is remembered as a talented and handsome actor who starred in some classic films of the golden age of Hollywood. On the other hand, he is also remembered as a troubled and abusive husband who ruined his marriage and career with his addiction and violence.
Agar’s fans and admirers still appreciate his work and his contribution to the genre of science fiction and horror. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been featured in documentaries and books about his life and career. He has also been parodied and referenced in popular culture, such as in The Simpsons, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Agar’s life and death serve as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls and dangers of fame and addiction. He also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Shirley Temple, who overcame her abusive marriage and went on to have a successful and fulfilling life.
