In The News

Top toy maker passes away

Top toy maker passes away

The death has taken place of toy maker Elliot Handler, who along with his wife introduced the Barbie doll to the world. He was 95.

It was his wife, Ruth, who invented Barbie (named after their daughter Barbara) in 1959 — they were to add Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend, in 1961 (he was named after their son Kenneth).

Barbie was to become a multi-million seller worldwide and helped make their company, Mattel, one world’s top toy makers.

The Handlers had formed Mattel out of a garage workshop in 1945 along with a friend Matt Matson [the company’s name was fashioned from Matt and Elliot].

Mr. Matson was eventually bought-out by the Handlers.

Apart from Barbie the company enjoyed success with other products including Uke-A-Doodle and Burp Gun.

In the late 1960s Mr. Handler invented Hot Wheels, miniature die-cast cars which became a top seller.

The couple lost control of their company during mid-1970s.

Mr. Handler is survived by his daughter Barbara. His wife Ruth died in 2002, while his son, Kenneth, passed away in 1994.

To view an interview with Ruth and Elliot Handler click here.

 

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