Ruth Handler was an American business magnate and inventor, best known for inventing the Barbie doll and co-founding Mattel, Inc. with her husband Elliot. Her life was marked by significant achievements in business, innovation, and philanthropy, as well as challenges and controversies. Here is a timeline of her life and career.
Main Milestones
Birth
November 4, 1916
Ruth Marianna Mosko was born in Denver, Colorado, to Polish-Jewish immigrants Jacob and Ida Moskowicz. She was the youngest of ten children and was sent to live with her older sister Sarah when she was six months old.
Marriage
1932
Ruth fell in love with Izzy Handler, an art student, and they married in 1938 in Denver. She encouraged her husband to use his middle name, Elliot, and they moved to California.
Founding of Mattel
1944
Ruth and Elliot Handler founded Mattel Creations with Harold Matson. The company initially produced picture frames and other items but soon shifted to toys.
Sponsorship of Mickey Mouse Club
1955
Mattel signed a $500,000 contract to sponsor a 15-minute segment of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club on the ABC television network. This move significantly boosted the company's visibility and sales.
Introduction of Barbie
1959
Mattel introduced the Barbie doll, named after the Handlers' daughter Barbara. The doll was an instant hit and became a cultural icon, revolutionizing the toy industry.
Presidency of Mattel
1967
Ruth Handler became the president of Mattel, a position she held until 1975. During her tenure, the company introduced Black dolls as part of the Barbie collection and supported Shindana Toys, a Black empowerment project.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
1970
Ruth Handler was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. This experience led her to develop a new passion for creating realistic breast prosthetics.
Resignation from Mattel
1975
Ruth Handler resigned from Mattel amid investigations into fraudulent financial reports. She pleaded no contest to charges and was fined $57,000 and sentenced to 2,500 hours of community service.
Founding of Ruthton Corp.
1975
Ruth Handler founded Ruthton Corp. to develop and manufacture breast prosthetics called 'Nearly Me.' She became an advocate for early detection of breast cancer and helped bring attention to the disease.
Sale of Ruthton Corp.
1991
Ruth Handler sold Ruthton Corp. to a division of Kimberly-Clark, marking the end of her active involvement in the business.
Death
April 27, 2002
Ruth Handler died in California from complications during surgery for colon cancer. She was 85 years old and left behind a legacy as a pioneering businesswoman and inventor.
