NEW YORK (AP) - Elliot Handler, who with his wife grew Mattel Inc. from a small home-based picture-frame business into the largest U.S. toy maker and created the Hot Wheels brand, died on Thursday. He was 95.
The company first produced picture frames, but Handler started making dollhouse furniture and other wooden toys on the side from scraps. Mattel's first hit product was a "Uke-A-Doodle," a child-size ukulele and the Burp gun, a cap pistol.
Handler's wife Ruth created the iconic Barbie doll in 1959, naming it after their daughter. It became an instant success. Seeking a similar hit for boys in the 1960s, Handler created the Hot Wheels brand.
Handler is survived by his daughter Barbara Segal. His son Kenneth died in 1994 of a brain tumor.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ruth and Elliot will be long remembered for the many, many hours of play they brought to children across the entire world.
With much love from
Susan Wilber, Founding President
Tickled Pink in Ventura County
(Barbie doll collectors of Ventura County).
Susan Wilber
August 20, 2011 | Thousand Oaks, CA
Elliot was such a gentle soul. He was the perfect partner for the passionate, diven powerhouse that was Ruth Handler. It was so terrible to lose her so early, leaving Elliot so many years alone. But he wasn't quite a lone. He touched so many lives in his quiet way. He was a painter, an artist, a philsopher, and a friend. I'll miss him, and remember them both. They changed my life, and taught me so very much. They live through so many lives who they touched, mine among them. Thank you...
Amanda Rose
July 28, 2011 | Los Angeles, CA
I met Elliot several times as a Mattel employee, all after Ruth had passed away. My lasting memory of our conversations was the way he was drawn to mention how wonderful and brilliant his wife was and how he missed her. With his vast success in the toy industry, this love for his wife stood out, even when talking with another fellow in the business. May your reunion with your wife be grand!
Matt
July 28, 2011 | CA
To the family of Elliot Handler I am very sorry for your loss. As a little girl growing up I enjoyed playing with my hot wheels as well as Barbie. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. The Father of tender mercies is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." -Psalm 34:18
kennedy
July 25, 2011 | IL
Thank you for the endless hours of childhood laughter and pleasure you gave my children, Mr. Handler, you sure do have a lot to put in the dash between the time you were born and the time you have left us to meet your maker. With much love to your family and dear friends.
Bonney Howard
July 25, 2011 | Punta Gorda, FL
REST IN PEACE
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
July 25, 2011 | ST.AGATHA, ME
Thanks to your mom and dad for the toys that were enjoyed by my husband and I. My parents actually named my bother and I Kenneth and Barbara also before the dolls came out!Condolences to your family.
B R
July 25, 2011 | NJ
To the the family of Elliot Handler - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
R Golay
July 25, 2011 | Nampa, ID
Thank you on behalf of my kids and myself for the years of fun we have had playing with your toys. God Bless.
Tami Bramblett
July 25, 2011 | Independence, MO