Hard as it is to imagine, because she perennially looks somewhere between 16 and 21, Mattel’s toy phenomenon, Barbie, has just turned 50. Unfortunately, Hollywood Barbie dolls do not have her Fountain of Youth but shine just as brightly and with almost as much name and face recognition as the Mattel original. In a recent straw poll, Hollywood icons to rival Barbie are rated from 1 to 10 by the responses.
Number 10—Sarah Jessica Parker gets mentioned for a pair of reasons, the first being her full mane of hair that would make Barbie green with envy, if she could be envious. The second reason given for Sarah Jessica is her impeccable style sense that is a hallmark of Barbie’s appeal to young girls.
Number 9—Janet Leigh makes the list of those who recall her top box office stardom in the 1950s. Fragile and almost porcelain like, Miss Leigh was a natural for the period pieces of her day in spectacular films such as Scaramouche. She makes the list because of the fantasy Barbie brings to young girls’ dreams.
Number 8—Jayne Mansfield makes the list in spite of her overt sexuality, which many people accused Barbie of. With her platinum bleached hair and ample curves, Miss Mansfield is reflective of the Hollywood Barbie that allows girls to imagine making it big in the movie industry.
It is clear that Barbie represents different things to different people.
Number 7—Sandra Dee, a teen icon of the 1960s, is included for her wholesomeness, an attribute Mattel always insists that Barbie really has. Sandra Dee in her movies is always the epitome of innocence and goodness.
Number 6—Marilyn Monroe, also known for her sexy curves, is cited because of her glamour and dumb blonde innocence. Like Barbie, Miss Monroe is a unique and iconoclastic symbol of glamour that has lasted for decades.
Number 5—Jessica Simpson takes this spot for her curves and trademark blonde hair. Like Barbie, her face and figure are known all over the world. She also represents Barbie’s ambition to make it big in show business.
Number 4—Heather Locklear, takes many votes because of her almost eternal sex appeal. If little girls want to play like Barbie is a beauty with a bit of malice in her character, Miss Locklear makes an excellent role model.
Number 3—Scarlett Johannson is included at this spot for beauty, style sense, and character. In a very real sense, Barbie has always been an ambassador of good will around the globe, showcasing the American Dream.
Number 2—Barbara Eden, still seen on TV reruns as Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie, is another earlier star who comes onto the list as a real life Barbie. Most people mentioned her perky attitude and the fact that her missing navel is equivalent to Barbie’s missing details.
Number 1—Jessica Alba is a hot new star who represents the glamorous appeal of the latest Barbie manifestations. Barbie is now more independent and able to make it on her own. Miss Alba’s doll-like perfection of face, hair, and body are items most mentioned by those who took the poll.
Maybe there are others you would have included on the list of living Barbie dolls. Leave your comments below to share your ideas.
For more information of classic stars of the past, check out Doug Krentzlin who covers the classics of movies, television, home video, radio, theater and the performing arts.
Comments