shirley-rip-460.jpgFOX

She was precocious, dimpled, had a crop of curls and a mega-watt personality that could light up any projector in Hollywood.

On Monday, Shirley Temple, who was arguably the most iconic child star of all time, has died at the age of 85 in her Bay Area-home. At the time of her death, the 1930s film star-turned-diplomat was surrounded by family and loved ones, reports the Associated Press.

Her family said in a statement: "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 for fifty-five years of the late and much missed Charles Alden Black."

Temple, who became famous in Depression-era Hollywood, began her career in 1932 at the tender age of three. During her time on the silver screen, the actress, who received a special Juvenile Academy Award in 1935, starred in many beloved films, including the Little Colonel, Curly Top, A Little Princess and Heidi.

Despite starring in over 45 feature-length films, Temple decide to leave Hollywood and announced her official retirement from the cinema on December 16, 1950.

After stepping away from the limelight, Temple devoted herself to diplomacy. In 1974, she was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Ghana by President Gerald R. Ford. In 1977, she was appointed as the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States and was in charge of arrangements for President Jimmy Carter's inauguration and inaugural ball. She also served as the United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from August 23, 1989 – July 12, 1992, after being appointed by President George H. W. Bush.

The actress will be forever remembered for many contributions, including her exuberant personality, the joy she brought to audiences of all ages and her commitment to the United States. RIP Shirley.