She died in California of natural causes, a family spokesman said.

Publicist Cheryl Kagan says Temple, known in private life as Shirley Temple Black, died surrounded by family at her home near San Francisco.

A talented singer, dancer and actress, Shirley Temple was America's top box-office draw from 1935 - the year she turned 7 - until 1938.

She retired from films at 21 and later became active in politics.

She held several diplomatic posts, including ambassador to Czechoslovakia in the late 1980s.

with AAP