| (1916
- 2002) |
| Inducted: |
1997 |
| Region: |
West |
| Industry: |
Manufacturing
|
|
In 1945 Ruth Handler was the co-founder and president of Mattel, Inc. when she had an idea that dramatically shaped American popular culture. Handler invented the Barbie* doll, named after her daughter Barbara, and the Mattel Toy Company became a household name. In 1995 Mattel, Inc. became the number one toy maker. Barbie* is still a big-selling item along with three other principal core brands that contribute over 80 percent of Mattel’s revenue. Keeping pace with the global marketplace, Mattel, Inc. sells its products worldwide. |
