Story highlights Shirley Temple was arguably the most famous child star in Hollywood history

She died of natural causes at her California home surrounded by family and caregivers

She was a major box-office star during the Great Depression

She retired from acting in 1950 and later became a U.S. diplomat

Shirley Temple Black , who rose to fame as arguably the most popular child star in Hollywood history, died late Monday night, her publicist said.

She was 85.

Temple Black, who also enjoyed a long career as a diplomat, died of natural causes at her Woodside, California, home. She was surrounded by family and caregivers, a statement from Cheryl Kagan said.

She began acting at age 3 and became a massive box-office draw before turning 10, commanding a then-unheard of salary of $50,000 per movie.

Her first film of notice was in 1932 when she played in "War Babies," part of the "Baby Burlesks" series of short films.

For about 18 years, she sang, tap-danced and acted her way into the hearts of millions. Her corkscrew curls were popular with little girls from the 1930s through the 1970s.

JUST WATCHED Shirley Temple Black dies at 85 Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Shirley Temple Black dies at 85 01:58

Photos: Shirley Temple Black Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Hollywood child star Shirley Temple, who became diplomat Shirley Temple Black, died late February 10 of natural causes in her Woodside, California, home. She was 85. Above, Temple poses for a photograph in the 1930s. Hide Caption 1 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple poses for a promotional photograph for one of the "Baby Burlesks" series of short films, circa 1932. Hide Caption 2 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Billy "Bojangles" Robinson and Shirley Temple dance together on set in 1935. Hide Caption 3 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple arrives at the 20th Century Fox studio lot to celebrate her eighth birthday in 1936. Hide Caption 4 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Jean Hersholt performs with Temple in "Heidi" in 1937. Hide Caption 5 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – FBI director J. Edgar Hoover gives Temple a tour of the Department of Justice in 1938. Hide Caption 6 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple and Dickie Moore act in a scene from the film "Miss Annie Rooney" in 1942. Hide Caption 7 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple and John Agar walk down a staircase after their wedding in 1945. The couple divorced in 1950. Hide Caption 8 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple and her second husband, Charles Black, arrive at the premiere of "Roman Holiday" in 1953. Hide Caption 9 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black sits with her daughter Lori Black at their home in 1957. Hide Caption 10 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black sits at a United Nations session in 1969. She served as a delegate for the United States. Hide Caption 11 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black is sworn in as new chief of protocol beside President Gerald R. Ford in the Cabinet Room of the White House in 1976. Hide Caption 12 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black signs copies of her book "Child Star" in 1988. Hide Caption 13 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black stands by the river in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1990. She served as ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992. Hide Caption 14 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – President Bill Clinton greets Temple Black during a reception prior to the 1998 Kennedy Center Honors. Hide Caption 15 of 16 Photos: Shirley Temple Black Shirley Temple Black – Temple Black accepts the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award onstage during the awards show in 2006. Hide Caption 16 of 16

Early years

Her star shone brightest as a toddler, and 20th Century Fox cranked out a series of feature films with the adorable, talented little girl. Her hits included "Little Miss Marker" (1934), "Curly Top" (1935) and "The Littlest Rebel" (1935).

At the box office, she beat out the great adult stars of her day, such as Clark Gable and Bing Crosby. Her popularity spawned a large array of merchandizing items, such as dolls, hats and dresses.

She was the top box-office star four years in a row, from 1935 to 1938. Her career was at its peak as the country was suffering the effects of the Great Depression, and her films offered uplifting moments.

But as she got older, the pace of movies slowed, and by 1939, her popularity was fading. She and 20th Century Fox terminated her contract early in 1940, just before she reached her teenage years.

U.S. diplomat

She retired from filmmaking at 22 and married Charles Black, changing her last name from Temple to Temple Black.

But she did not fade from the public eye.

She embarked on a new career as a foreign diplomat: She served in the U.S. delegation to the United Nations from 1969 to 1974 was U.S. ambassador to Ghana from 1974 to 1976, and U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992.

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who appointed her to the Czechoslovakia post, said Tuesday that he and his wife "mourn the loss of an American icon."

"She captured the affections of millions around the world by her endearing performances on the silver screen as a young girl, but I also admired Shirley for her selfless service to our country later in her life," Bush said in a statement released by his spokesman. "In both roles, she truly lifted people up and earned not only a place in our hearts -- but also our enduring respect.

"Barbara and I send our condolences to Shirley's family and countless fans around the world."

A statement from Temple Black's family members said they "salute her for a life of remarkable achievements as an actor, as a diplomat, and most importantly as our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and adored wife of fifty-five years of the late and much missed Charles Alden Black."

Enduring icon

She remained a cultural icon for decades after stepping down from the silver screen.

In 1958, she made a comeback as an entertainer, this time on television, in an hourlong show, "Shirley Temple's Storybook."

She later received two lifetime achievement awards for her performing career.

In 1972, Temple Black successfully battled breast cancer.