Bush , who appointed her to the Czechoslovakia post , said Tuesday that he and his wife `` mourn the loss of an American icon . '' Shirley Temple was arguably the most famous child star in Hollywood history . She died of natural causes at her Hollywood home surrounded by family and friends . She was a major box - office success during the Great Depression . She retired from acting in 1950 and later became a U.S. citizen .
Shirley Temple was arguably the most famous child star in Hollywood history . She died of natural causes at her Hollywood home surrounded by family and friends . She was a major box - office success during the Great Depression . She retired from acting in 1950 and later became a U.S. citizen .