Is Ruth Handler Dead? What Happened to Ruth Handler?
by Ayisha
Updated Jul 25, 2023
Is Ruth Handler Dead?
Yes, according to the information provided in the previous passage, Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, passed away. The passage states that she died on a Saturday at the age of 85 due to complications from colon surgery. However, it is important to note that the exact date of her passing was not mentioned in the provided text.
Ruth Handler's legacy is significant as she was the mastermind behind the creation of Barbie, one of the world's most famous dolls and a cultural icon. Despite facing initial resistance to the concept of a doll with a womanly figure, Handler persisted and successfully launched Barbie into production in 1959.
The doll became an instant hit and has since sold over a billion units in 150 countries. Beyond her contributions to the toy industry, Ruth Handler's life had its share of challenges and achievements.
She co-founded Mattel, the company responsible for producing Barbie, along with her husband, Elliot. She encountered a tough period in the 1970s when she left Mattel after being indicted with other company executives for hiding losses.
Despite this difficult phase, Handler showed resilience and later started a successful business producing prosthetic breasts for mastectomy patients. Her impact extended beyond the toy world, and her entrepreneurial and marketing skills left a lasting impression.
Although Ruth Handler is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through Barbie, a toy that has inspired and entertained generations of children and continues to evolve to reflect changing times and societal norms.
What Happened to Ruth Handler?
Ruth Handler, the entrepreneur and marketing genius who co-founded Mattel and created the iconic Barbie doll, passed away on April 27 at the age of 85. She died at a hospital in Southern California due to complications from colon surgery she had undergone three months prior to her death.
Ruth Handler's life was marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant contributions to the toy industry and women's health. Alongside her husband, Elliot Handler, she founded Mattel, which initially started as a giftware business in their garage, producing items such as bowls, mirrors, and clocks made of plastic.
The company later expanded into toy manufacturing, and in 1959, Handler's visionary creation, the Barbie doll, made its debut at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie, named after Handler's daughter Barbara, revolutionized the toy market, presenting a teenage doll with a more mature and womanly figure than the typical flat-chested baby dolls available at the time.
Barbie's success soared, becoming one of the best-selling toys of all time, with over 1 billion dolls sold in 150 countries. The doll's appeal extended beyond being just a toy; it became a cultural icon and faced both acclaim and criticism. Scholars analyzed its impact, while feminists raised concerns about the unrealistic beauty standards it might promote for young girls.
In the 1970s, Ruth Handler faced personal and professional challenges. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, an experience that would later shape her second career. As Mattel went through corporate changes and diversification away from toys, Handler and her husband were forced out of the company they had founded.
Undeterred, Ruth Handler founded Ruthton Corp. and embarked on a new venture that addressed the needs of mastectomy patients. She created Nearly Me, a lifelike prosthetic breast made of liquid silicone enclosed in polyurethane, with a rigid foam backing.
As a breast cancer survivor herself, she was deeply committed to helping other women regain their confidence and appearance after undergoing mastectomies. With her personal experiences and determination, Ruth Handler successfully marketed Nearly Me, selling artificial breasts in left and right variations according to bra sizes.
Her sales team, consisting of breast cancer survivors, fitted women and trained sales staff in department stores. She even fitted former First Lady Betty Ford after her mastectomy.
Ruth Handler's marketing prowess and passion for helping mastectomy patients led to significant success for Nearly Me, with sales exceeding $1 million by 1980. Eventually, she sold the company to a division of Kimberly-Clark Corp. in 1991.
Who was Ruth Handler?
Ruth Marianna Handler was an American businesswoman and inventor known for her role in inventing the iconic Barbie doll in 1959.
Alongside her husband Elliot Handler, she co-founded the toy manufacturing company Mattel and served as its first president from 1945 to 1975. However, in 1975, the Handlers were compelled to resign from Mattel due to an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission related to the company's falsification of financial documents.
Born as Ruth Marianna Mosko in Denver, Colorado, to Polish-Jewish immigrants Jacob Moskowicz and Ida Moskowicz (née Rubenstein), she later married her high school sweetheart, Elliot Handler.
In 1938, they moved to Los Angeles, where Ruth found work at Paramount. The idea for Mattel emerged when Elliot pursued furniture making as a hobby, using innovative materials such as Lucite and Plexiglas. Upon Ruth's suggestion, they turned this hobby into a commercial venture, establishing a furniture business. She played a crucial role as the sales force, securing contracts with notable clients like Douglas Aircraft Company.
How did Ruth Handler Pass Away?
Ruth Handler passed away on April 27, 2002. However, the exact cause of her death was not mentioned. Therefore, the specific details about how Ruth Handler passed away are not known.
As mentioned earlier, Ruth Handler was a breast cancer survivor and had undergone a mastectomy due to her battle with the disease. Despite her achievements, Ruth Handler faced challenges and controversies throughout her life.
She resigned from Mattel in 1975 amid an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for falsifying financial documents. Subsequently, she was charged with tax fraud and false reporting, resulting in a fine and community service.
And she passed away on April 27, 2002, at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an entrepreneur, innovator, and the creative force behind one of the most iconic toys in history.
Ruth Handler Death
Ruth Handler is no longer alive. She passed away on April 27, 2002, at the age of 85. The cause of her death was not known. Ruth Handler's life was marked by her significant contributions as an American businesswoman and inventor, most notably for creating the iconic Barbie doll and co-founding Mattel with her husband. Despite her passing, her legacy continues through the enduring influence of Barbie and her pioneering role in the toy industry.
Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman, and inventor, was a trailblazing figure who made a lasting impact on the toy industry. She is best known for her creation of the iconic Barbie doll in 1959, which became a global sensation and an enduring symbol of femininity and empowerment. Alongside her husband Elliot Handler, she co-founded Mattel, a renowned toy manufacturing company. As the company's first president from 1945 to 1975, Ruth played a pivotal role in shaping its success and growth.
Is Ruth Handler Dead? - FAQs
The inspiration for Barbie was Ruth Handler's 15-year-old daughter, Barbara Handler.
Barbie became a cultural icon due to her immediate popularity and the visionary approach of her creator, Ruth Handler. When Barbie debuted at the American Toy Fair in 1959, it captured the imagination of children and parents alike. Ruth designed Barbie to represent choice and possibilities for girls, empowering them to imagine diverse career paths and aspirations.
Ruth Handler died on April 27, 2002, at the age of 85.
Mattel was co-founded by Ruth Handler and her husband, Elliot Handler, along with their business partner Harold "Matt" Matson.