New Delhi: The co-creator of the iconic Barbie, Elliot Handler, died on Tuesday. He was 95. Handler's wife Ruth had invented the famous hourglass doll that became an instant hit with girls all over the world and Handler has been credited for naming the doll after their daughter Barbara.
Soon after the hourglass doll debuted the company released a male companion, Ken, named after the couple's son.
The couple has transformed Mattle Inc from a small business making picture frames to the largest toy maker in the US. The company first produced picture frames, but Handler started making dollhouse furniture and other wooden toys on the side from scraps. The Handlers and their business partner, Harold Mattson, founded the company in 1945.
He also created the Hot Wheels brand in the 1960’s for the boys, to match up to the Barbie fame. Mattel's first hit product was a 'Uke-A-Doodle,' a child-size ukulele, and the Burp gun, a cap pistol.
Handler's caretaker told the media that he had a medical emergency and eventually died from heart failure.
The Toy Industry Association issued a statement today mourning his death.
It read: 'Mr Handler's memory will live on through the toys he helped to introduce to generations of children.'
Handler is survived by his daughter Barbara Segal.
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