Shirley Temple, best known for lighting up the screen as a child star in the 1930s and 1940s, passed away at 85 on Monday evening at her home, surrounded by family and friends.
Temple started acting at age 3, and had a long-term contract with Fox Films. Some of her most famous roles include A Little Princess, Curly Top, Bright Eyes and Heidi. She retired young, at age 22.
The actress had two daughters and one son. She was married twice. After leaving the big screen behind, Temple went on to become a politician in the 1960s. As a member of the Republican party, Temple was a representative to the 24th United Nations General Assembly and United States Ambassador to Ghana from 1974 to 1976 and Ambassador to Czechoslovakia in 1989 to 1992. Temple became the first female chief of protocol of the United States in 1976.
The American child star started performing in films at three years. She entered politics in the 60's and took on several ambassador positions representing her country. Pictured enjoying a soft drink with an impish grin on her face.
Temple smiling and holding building blocks which fit together to spell her name.
Temple, pictured with a garden hose, made her way into homes during a dark, post-war period in the U.S.
Child star Shirley Temple dancing with Bill "Bojangels" Robinson in a promotional picture for "The LIttle Colonel."
Temple, pictured, smiling and holding louvred doors around her.
Temple started performing in films at three years. She entered politics in the 1960s and took on several ambassador positions representing her country.
Temple had a long term contract with Fox Films. She entered politics in the 1960s and took on several ambassador positions representing her country. Pictured sitting on a high stool with an impish grin.
American child actor Shirley Temple sitting by her Christmas tree with presents from 20th Century Fox and a decorated Christmas tree, 1936. Stockings are hung from the mantel behind her.
Shirley Temple, child star, was a celebrity during the years after the Great Depression.
American child star Shirley Temple celebrating the arrival of a new year in December 1936.
Temple, pictured in 1937, wearing a very pretty day dress.
Shirley Temple, American film actress and later politician, made her film debut at the age of three.
Temple, a teenager in this photo, standing on a staircase, smiling.
The American star grows up. This image was taken circa 1944.
American actor Shirley Temple smiles while holding her three-month-old baby daughter, Linda Susan Agar. Actor John Agar was Temple's husband and is the infant's father.
Married American actors Shirley Temple and John Agar (1921 - 2002) pose with their three-month-old baby daughter, Linda Susan.
Shirley Temple Black accepts the Life Achievement Award onstage during the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 29, 2006 in Los Angeles.