In 1945, a fledgling toy company was founded by Harold "Matt" Matson and Elliot Handler. Combining their names, they called their new business Mattel.* The company went on to become the world's largest toy company based on revenue according to the 2008 Fortune 500 list, thanks in part to the success of Mattel's Barbie doll.
It is sad news to Barbie collectors to learn that Elliot Handler died at age 95 on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from heart failure.
Mattel issued the following statement: "We were very saddened to learn about the passing of Elliot Handler, the Mattel founder who created some of the world's most beloved toys. He not only inspired and delighted the employees of Mattel but generations of children around the world. The 30,000 employees of Mattel are proud to continue his legacy and love of play for generations to come."
Besides owning the most popular doll in the world, Barbie doll, the Mattel company also owns brands including Hot Wheels, Fisher Price, and American Girl.
The Handlers' daughter Barbara, namesake for the Barbie doll, is still alive. Their son Ken, namesake for the Ken doll, died of a brain tumor in 1994. Ruth Handler, the driving force behind the Barbie doll, died in 2002 at age 85.
There is a new Facebook page set up for Elliot Handler.
* Note: Imagine if they had combined the first two letters from Harold Matson's first name with the first two letters of Elliot Handler's last name. Mattel would have been the "HaHa" toy company instead! Not a bad name for a toy company.
Related:
- Doll Collecting 101: Who is Barbie? Barbie Millicent Roberts - teenage fashion model by Mattel
- Barbie doll through the decades - celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary in Nashville
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