Ken turns 65 years old this year! The iconic fashion doll created by Mattel is hailing a major milestone this year. As part of the celebrations, Mattel has revealed that Ken's full name is Kenneth Sean Carson. He was named after Kenneth Handler, who is the son of Ruth and Elliot Handler (founders of Mattel) according to Time Magazine. In contrast, Barbie was named after Ruth's daughter, Barbara.
In a post on Instagram, the toy company said, "After 65 years, Ken’s ready to explore a new era by trying 65 new things. Where should he begin?"
And in the video, Ken bids farewell to the ocean in an emotional video and says, "All right, it's time. I need to see what else is out there. Come on, don't be salty... It's not forever. We'll stay in touch. Send a wave." As the video ends, it says "hello new beginnings" and flashes Ken's journey over the years.
Ken came into being in 1961
The iconic Ken hit the shelves in March 1961, nearly two years after the debut of his Barbie.
According to news agency NDTV, the ad introducing the male doll said, "It all started at the dance. Barbie, the famous teenage fashion model doll by Mattel, felt that this was to be a special night. And then it happened. She met Ken, and somehow she knew that she and Ken would be going together."
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The narration added, "So now, Mattel brings you Ken, Barbie's boyfriend, with a complete wardrobe of perfectly tailored clothes of unmatched quality. Now, Ken and Barbie meet for lunch at school, go to fraternity parties, and just relax together. Think of the fun you'll have taking Barbie and Ken on dates, dressing each one just right. Get both Barbie and Ken and see where the romance will lead."
The advertisement featured Ken posing in swim trunks and with a towel.
Ken and Barbie's relationship
While the relationship between Ken and Barbie was always considered one of the classic couples of the toy world, it has had many highs and lows along the way. In 2004, Mattel released a statement stating that they would no longer be a couple. Following this announcement, Barbie's love life came into question, as speculation began regarding whether or not she had begun dating a new man, Blaine, a handsome Australian surfer doll.
But the spark that Ken and Barbie had shared was not completely gone, and they got back together again in 2011.
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In 2018, Mattel shocked the Internet when they announced Barbie's last name, "Roberts" to commemorate National Siblings Day. However, another lesser-known fact about the doll is that her full name is "Barbara Millicent Roberts" and she has three siblings named Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea, as reported by People.
Ken's new journey
According to E! News, Ken has now become Expedia's newest brand ambassador for 65 adventures around the world. "For decades, Ken has been synonymous with the laid-back charm of Malibu life while touting an impressive range of passions as an airline captain, doctor, sailor, skater, cowboy, lifeguard, rock star, and many more," the press release shared by the E! News stated.
"As a symbol of creativity and self-expression, he's now expanding his cultural influence as a tastemaker and highly sought-after talent, embracing a new era that expands beyond the toy aisle and is filled with collaborative opportunities and exciting adventures," the press release added.
