As a child, there was one doll named Barbie, but I had no interest in playing with her. Ironically, as an adult, I’ve met a couple of dolls named Barbie that I would have really enjoyed playing with, but none of them wanted to play with me. Back in 1997, I suddenly wanted to know more about the Barbie I ignored all through childhood. Luckily, she still lived at Mattel…
Dear Guardians of Barbie:
I think Barbie is an awesome babe! Is she modeled after a real person? How old is Barbie anyway? Does she have a last name? Any idea what her measurements would be if she were real?
On a personal note, and I hate to pry, but did she and that stud Ken ever do the “nasty,” or is she still a virgin? I promise not to get jealous if they did, I’m just curious. I heard Ken was Bi but I don’t believe it. It’s not true, is it?
Finally, I’m not having much luck finding any bodacious babes these days. Any chance of sending a photo of Barbie? You don’t manufacture inflatable models, do you? Man, would that be fun to play with!
Barbie is a doll!
The response from a Mattel Consumer Affairs Representative included:
Hello Barbie® Doll Enthusiast!
Thank you for contacting Mattel regarding Barbie® doll information. We always enjoy hearing from consumers and we are happy to have this opportunity to respond to your request.
Mattel receives thousands of inquiries annually for information concerning Barbie® dolls. Due to this high volume of contacts we are unable to provide personalized responses to all requests. However, we have enclosed an informational package which includes: frequently asked Barbie® doll questions, a chronological list of Barbie® dolls manufactured since 1980, a list of resources for Barbie® doll information, and a list of independently-organized Barbie® doll clubs around the world. We hope you will find it useful.
The rest talked about Barbie Collectibles; checking libraries, bookstores or specialty doll shops for more information; visiting the Barbie website; and a phone contact to reach a Consumer Affairs Specialist for further assistance.
Final Thoughts: First, apologies for using the term “bodacious babes,” but it was 1997. The FAQs Mattel provided offered many answers, including: Her age? “Barbie® doll made her debut at the American Toy Fair, New York, February, 1959.” Last name? “Actually, Barbie® doll has parents, but Mattel has never manufactured them. Their names are George and Margaret Roberts.” So, it looks like Roberts, or her middle initial might be ® and last name doll. Measurements? “Actually, Barbie® doll is not scaled to human measurements. The Barbie® doll was developed after Mattel studied the popularity of paper fashion dolls (which had more adult-like figures than the dolls of the day) among children. Finding the marketplace receptive to the idea, a team of Mattel employees translated the paper doll concept into a three dimensional doll with life-like characteristics.” There was no mention of Ken.
I contacted Mattel more recently and inquired again about Barbie’s virginity status and inflatable doll availability … and if they could confirm or deny whether Ken is gay and if Max Steel is more Barbie’s type. This time there was no response at all.
As for whether Barbie is modeled after a real person, there’s an intriguing video featuring Ruth Handler, a founder of Mattel and creator of Barbie, talking about the doll’s inspiration — her daughter, Barbara. And yes, her son’s name is … Ken! That definitely rules out anything going on between Barbie and Ken even if he doesn’t prefer male dolls, depending on what part of the country they live in. This New York Times article about Ruth Handler written after her death provides many insights into this fascinating woman’s life. Plus, “Who Made America?” from PBS offered this Innovators profile of Ruth Handler.
Here’s where you can get to know Barbie better. However, if you want to get know a product or brand better, one starting point is to Write The Company.
