February 11th, 2014 
James Shotwell 
Shirley Temple, former child star, died in her California home Monday night at the age of 85. Sources say her passing came about due to natural causes and that she was surrounded by loved ones and caretakers at the time of her death.
“We 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,” said the family in a statement.
There are few child actors who can say they were legitimate silver screen sensations before they were ten, but Shirley Temple captured the hearts of people around the world not long after she was able to talk. Her first role was at the age of 3, and she was only 6 when her now famous recording of “On The Good Ship Lollipop” was created. You can stream that performance below.
When her career in acting was over, Temple had starred in 14 short films and 43 feature films between the years of 1931 and 1962. Those accomplishments alone would have given her an excuse to leisurely enjoy her remaining years, but Temple chose instead to pour herself into the world of politics. She made an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1967 and was appointed the U.S. ambassador to Ghana by President Gerald Ford in 1974. In 1989, she became the U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia under President George H.W. Bush.
Young people today may not grow up knowing the name Shirley Temple, but for a long time she was nothing short of an institution in American pop culture. She defined innocence for a generation that had to endure World War II, and though she may be gone her work will continue to inspire young minds to reach for the stars.
Rest in peace, Ms. Temple. You will be missed.
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