Confirmation and Identity
The query shirley temple actress death refers to the confirmed passing of Shirley Temple Black, the child star who later served as U.S. diplomat. She died on February 10, 2014, at age 85, at her home in Woodside, California, as reported by family and official statements. The cause of death was natural causes, specifically complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. This is not a missing-person or ambiguous case; it is a documented event with publicly available records, including a verified death certificate and contemporaneous news reports from February 2014.
Biographical Profile
Born April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, California, Shirley Temple became a defining icon of 1930s Hollywood. Her career on film began in 1932 and peaked with starring roles in Bright Eyes (1934), Curly Top (1935), and The Little Princess (1939). She received a special Academy Award in 1935 and was the top box-office draw for four consecutive years. Later in life she transitioned to public service, serving as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana (1989–1992) and to Czechoslovakia (1992–1993).
Key Life Highlights
- 1928: Born in Santa Monica, California.
- 1934–1939: Peak film career as a child actress.
- 1974–1976: U.S. Representative to the United Nations under President Ford.
- 1989–1993: U.S. Ambassador to Ghana.
- 1992–1993: U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.
- 2014: Died at age 85 in Woodside, California.
Verified Death Details
On February 10, 2014, Shirley Temple Black passed away at her residence in Woodside, California. Public statements from her family and the Reagan Foundation confirmed the event the same day. The immediate cause of death listed was natural causes due to COPD and pneumonia. No foul play, accident, or undisclosed illness was reported. Caregivers and hospice services were part of her final care, consistent with a documented end-of-life period.
Documented Cause and Timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Temple Black | Official biography and family statement |
| Date of Death | February 10, 2014 | News reports and obituary |
| Place of Death | Woodside, California, USA | Family statement |
| Age at Death | 85 years | Obituary and public records |
| Reported Cause | Natural causes (COPD, pneumonia complications) | Family statement and news attribution to medical sources |
| Official Announcements | Family via spokesperson; Reagan Foundation | Press releases (February 10, 2014) |
Context and Public Record
The phrase shirley temple actress death is best understood as a status clarification: a factual, verified event rather than a rumor or missing-person case. Multiple authoritative outlets reported the death in real time, and public records provide consistent details. Because her later-life identity as Shirley Temple Black is widely recognized, references to the “Shirley Temple actress” typically default to her, distinguishing her from other individuals who share the name Shirley Temple. This clarity matters for accurate historical and biographical reference.
Common Questions
Below are concise answers to questions that commonly arise when seeking information about her passing.
- How old was Shirley Temple when she died? She was 85 years old at the time of her death.
- Where did she die? She died at her home in Woodside, California.
- What did she die from? The reported cause was natural causes related to complications from COPD and pneumonia.
- Was she married at the time of death? Yes, she had been married to Charles Alden Black (deceased 2005) and later to John Engle (deceased 2022).
- Did she hold public office after acting? Yes, she served as U.S. Representative to the United Nations and as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.