Shirley Temple, the Depression era star of such films as the "Little Rebel," "Curly Top," and "Heidi," died of natural causes 10:57 P.M. Monday, surrounded by her family in her home near San Francisco.

Known to her family as Shirley Temple Black, she will be remembered as one of the most beloved child actresses of all time, and a great icon in American history. With her trademark curls, infectious spunk and delightful musical ability, Shirley Temple was credited as saving 20^th Century Fox from bankruptcy, an impressive feat for one round-faced little girl.

In a speech to the Screen Actors Guild award in 2006, Temple joked about her status and the great success of her career as a childhood actress: "I have one piece of advice for those of you who want to receive the lifetime achievement award. Start early."

After her early years in film as the singing, dancing "America's Little Darling," her popularity started declining as she progressed as an adolescent. With her career sinking, eventually, by the age of 22, she made the decision to retire from film.

After that she changed her focus from a career in entertainment to a career in politics. The 'advanced,' Miss Temple, or as she became, Mrs. Temple Black, was a Republican activist and diplomat for the American government. Aside from sitting on the boards of Walt Disney and Del Monte foods, Temple made a run for a California Congressional seat, and was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and later Czechoslovakia.