Ruth Handler was a toy designer, inventor and businesswoman. She is best known as the creator of Barbie doll. Barbie was first introduced to the public at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959. With her husband, Handler co-founded the multi-national toy manufacturing company, Mattel. In later years she had a successful career in the prosthetic breast business.
Ruth Handler was born Ruth Marianna Mosko in Denver, Colorado in 1916. In 1938 she moved to Los Angeles with her husband Elliot Handler where they established a furniture making business. They also manufactured giftware and doll house furniture. They founded Mattel in 1942.
Ruth Handler had observed her daughter playing with paper dolls. She was inspired to create Barbie which she based on the German doll, Bild Lilli. Barbie is 30cm (11.5 in) tall. She has been described as a Teen-Age Fashion Model for children to play with. She has a boyfriend called Ken and several friends. She also has a wide range of accessories, clothes and over 40 pets.
Ruth Handler, toy designer, inventor and businesswoman best known as the creator of Barbie doll, was born in the year 1916 On This Day.
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