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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsOn this day, March 11, 1961, Barbie's friend Ken was "born."
One of early 1960s Ken dolls wearing a swimsuit, with a box package and other accessories
First appearance; March 11, 1961; 63 years ago
Created by: Elliot Handler
In-universe information
Full name: Kenneth Sean Carson
Nickname: Ken
Occupation: At least 40 occupations
Family:
Edna Carson (mother)
Kenneth Carson (father)
Izzy Carson (sister)
Tommy Carson (brother)
Barbie (girlfriend)
Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson Jr. is a fashion doll introduced by American toy company Mattel in 1961 as the counterpart of Barbie, who had been introduced two years earlier.
Similar to Barbie, Ken is from Willows, Wisconsin, and has a fashionable line of clothing and accessories (although he made his debut wearing only a swimsuit). In the Barbie mythos, Ken met Barbie on the set of a TV commercial and is her boyfriend, per promotional box inscriptions from his debut until 2018. As of September 2022, he is perceived as one of Barbie's main friends. Since his debut, Ken has held over 40 occupations, the latest being "beach" (standing in the sand and surveying the waves), as depicted in the 2023 Barbie film.
History
Ken was introduced as a male counterpart of Barbie by American toy company Mattel in 1961. He was named after Kenneth Handler, son of Barbie creator/inventor Ruth Handler, just as Barbie was named after her daughter. Ken Handler died in 1994 of a brain tumor.
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In February 2004, Mattel announced a split for Ken and Barbie, with Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, saying that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time apart...Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end", though Arons indicated that the duo would "remain friends".
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Ken appears to be a high-maintenance boyfriend. I don't think I could afford to keep him around.
What Makes The Best Ken Doll? Realistic Clothes & Accessories| Hair| Face| Articulation
22,066 views Mar 5, 2022
DelightfulDolls
286K subscribers
Today Im going to be telling you what I think makes the best Ken doll and what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for one and also where to find some awesome and realistic stuff for them! I hope you find this video helpful and interesting! I really enjoyed putting it all together for you
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Sat Mar 11, 2023: On this day, March 11, 1961, Barbie's friend Ken was "born."
Fri Mar 11, 2022: On this day, March 11, 1961, Barbie's friend Ken was "born."
Sun Mar 14, 2021: On March 11, 1961, Barbie's friend Ken was "born."
Niagara
(7,627 posts)Last summer, I purchased an incomplete (nude) Ken. I found out he's a 1988 Malibu Ken so now I'm on the hunt to find his swim trunks.
Thanks for the fun trivia!
Niagara
(7,627 posts)Those swim trunks that you found go to 1970 or 1971 Sunset Malibu Ken. They're reasonably priced though, I placed them on my watchlist.
I'm looking for these swim trunks.
I have to be careful on Ebay because I recently snagged a few Barbies only a few short days ago.
I like PoshMark too but it takes forever for the pages to load. I'm convinced PoshMark runs on dial-up.
Harker
(14,024 posts)Niagara
(7,627 posts)stuck it on with painters tape.
Harker
(14,024 posts)There'd be giggling at the courts.
Niagara
(7,627 posts)I thought that you were suppose to be the shy and quiet one?
I'm not letting Ken see what you wrote.
Harker
(14,024 posts)Niagara
(7,627 posts)I have to go and regroup for awhile, Harker.
Niagara
(7,627 posts)Here's Malibu Ken's modeling his geranium leaf.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
Harker
(14,024 posts)With feet like that, who's going to notice the leaf?
I'm glad you didn't tell him to look straight at the camera.
Niagara
(7,627 posts)Lol! The geranium leaf if now off and I have a wash cloth wrapped around his waist until I can find his original swim trunks.
It sounds like I might have to get him some shoes as well.
I've been photo shooting with some my Barbies too ...just in case I ever need to replace them for any reason.
Harker
(14,024 posts)Can't blame Ken for aiming high, but without a tux he might not get past 'pool boy.'
Nice, fun... Good luck finding the trunks, Niagara!
Niagara
(7,627 posts)Good idea! I didn't think about getting Ken snazzy attire to wear. Now that you suggested it, I think that I will.
I will definitely need good luck finding the trunks!
Harker
(14,024 posts)One day at a flea market you'll spot G.I. Joe wearing the trunks he borrowed from his pal Ken.
Niagara
(7,627 posts)In 1996, G.I. Joe borrowed Barbie from Ken. That G.I. Joe character needs to get his own items.
Harker
(14,024 posts)How fun!
Different Drummer
(7,621 posts)11/20 for me. I guess Ken likes older women!
Harker
(14,024 posts)He may look better for his age than I do for mine, but he's still a little pipsqueak.