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Ken (doll)

{{Short description|Male counterpart to Barbie doll, introduced 1961}}

{{Redirect|Kenneth Carson|other uses|Ken Carson (disambiguation)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}

{{Infobox character

| name = Ken

| image = Ken doll early 1960s swimsuit and other clothing accessories.png

| caption = One of early 1960s Ken dolls wearing a swimsuit, with a box package and other accessories

| full_name = Kenneth Sean Carson

| first = {{Start date and age|March 11, 1961}}

| creator = Mattel

| nickname = Ken

| occupation = At least 40 occupations

| family = {{Plainlist|

  • Edna Carson (mother)
  • Tommy Carson (brother)
  • Barbie Roberts (best friend, 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,{{cite web|last=Neporent|first=Liz|date=10 March 2011|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/ken-original-boy-toy-turns-50/story?id=13106690|title=Ken Doll Turns 50, Looks His Age|website=ABC News|access-date=5 July 2021}} and has a fashionable line of clothing and accessories (although he made his debut wearing only a swimsuit).{{Cite web|date=12 March 2021|title=Barbie's friend Ken celebrates a milestone birthday: 60|url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-birthdays-fashion-0f4a5469179c29e51285b9da4986f05f|website=Associated Press|access-date=12 September 2022}} 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 the male counterpart to Barbie by the 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.{{Cite web|last=Woo|first=Elaine|date=28 April 2002|title=Barbie creator Handler, 85, dies|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-04-28-0204280198-story.html|website=Baltimore Sun|access-date=3 December 2021|quote=Her son, Ken, died of a brain tumor in 1994.}}

From 1961 to the debut of Superstar Ken in 1977, Ken had straight arms that did not bend. His head could only turn left and right. Ken's hair was made of felt in his first year (known to collectors as the "flocked" hair Ken), but this was replaced with a plastic, molded hairstyle when the creators realized that the felt hair fell off when wet.{{cite web|title=Keeping Ken 101|url=http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/KEN101.htm|website=Man Behind The Doll|access-date=16 August 2010}} Superstar Ken featured a dimpled smile, a head that could swivel, bent arms, a more muscular physique, jewelry, and underwear permanently molded to his body. Allegedly Ruth Handler built Ken's appearance in resemblance to her husband.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

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".{{cite web|url=https://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/15/130739.php |title=Barbie and Ken: History |publisher=Blogcritics.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060214140625/https://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/15/130739.php |access-date=2010-08-16|archive-date=14 February 2006}}

In February 2006, however, a revamped version of the Ken doll was launched, though it was stated that his relationship with Barbie was still purely platonic.[http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/02/12/offbeat.barbie.breakup.ap/ CNN.com – It's splitsville for Barbie and Ken – Feb. 12, 2004] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112035557/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/02/12/offbeat.barbie.breakup.ap/ |date=November 12, 2008 }}{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/02/09/ken.barbie.reut/ |title=CNN – Madeover Ken hopes to win back Barbie – Feb 10, 2006 |work=CNN |access-date=2010-08-16}} In 2011, Mattel launched a massive campaign for Ken to win Barbie's affections back.{{cite web|last1=STRANSKY|first1=TANNER|title=Valentine's Day Surprise! Barbie and Ken are officially back together|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2011/02/14/ken-barbie-back-together-valentines-day|website=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|date=14 Feb 2011}} The pair officially reunited on Valentine's Day 2011.{{cite web| url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/02/14/news/companies/ken_barbie_reunite_valentines_day/index.htm|website=CNN Money| first=Parija | last=Kavilanz | title=Barbie and Ken: Back together on Valentine's Day | date=2011-02-14}}

In 2011, Mattel introduced Japan Ken, the first Ken doll to be included in the "Dolls of the World" collection, which was formerly a Barbie-only line. The Japan Ken doll features a new face sculpt.{{Cite web|title=Japan Ken Doll|work=Barbie Collectors|publisher=Mattel|year=2011|url=http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/japan-ken-doll|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223214435/http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/japan-ken-doll|archive-date=23 December 2010|access-date=28 July 2011}}

In 2021, Mattel announced 15 new looks for Ken. This included looks with different skin tones, body shapes and hair styles. Barbie underwent a similar makeover in 2020. Outside of this change, Ken has not changed much since he was introduced {{age|March 11, 1961}} years ago.{{Cite web|author=Joseph Pisani|agency=Associated Press|title=Barbie's companion Ken gets new looks: Man bun, beefy bod|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1020616/ken-gets-makeover-cornrows-beefy-bod-and-new-skin-tones.html|access-date=2021-07-26|website=www.abqjournal.com|date=20 June 2017|language=en-US}}

Notable lines

= Earring Magic Ken =

{{Further|Earring Magic Ken}}

In 1993, Earring Magic Ken was released. The style of the doll was thought to resemble fashions and accessories worn by some segments of the gay community at the time, and "Earring Magic Ken" subsequently attained a cult following, becoming a collector's item.{{cite web|title=The Man Behind The Doll presents Earring Magic Ken|url=http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/mbtd_earring.htm|website=Man Behind The Doll|date=1 July 1993|access-date=16 August 2010}}

= Sugar Daddy Ken =

In October 2009, Mattel announced a new Palm Beach line which included a "Sugar Daddy Ken" doll aimed for adult collectors. The said line officially debuted in the spring of 2010. The line proved to be controversial, because of Ken's suggestive-sounding name. The doll had a more mature appearance and came with a West Highland Terrier puppy. Mattel defended the doll's name, saying that the puppy's name is "Sugar", thus making Ken "Sugar's Daddy".{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/barbies-sugar-daddy-ken-doll-raises-eyebrows/story?id=8952641&page=1 |title=ABC News | Business | 'Sugar Daddy Ken' Doll Raises Eyebrows |work=ABC News |date=2009-10-30 |access-date=2010-08-16}} The doll's outfit resembled an outfit worn by a socialite seen in Slim Aarons' photo Palm Springs Party.{{cite web | first=Hannah | last=Malach | url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/culture-news/barbie-sugar-daddy-ken-doll-1235717734/ | title=Remembering Barbie's 'Sugar Daddy Ken': The Doll for Adults Who Loved Palm Beach Fashion | work=Women's Wear Daily | date=2023-06-23 | accessdate=2023-07-10}}

= Other lines =

{{Further|List of Barbie's friends and family#Ken's family and friends}}

Ken's best friend, Allan Sherwood (Midge's boyfriend, later husband), was introduced in 1964. In 1968 Brad, the first African American male doll, was introduced as the boyfriend of Barbie's African American friend, Christie, who was introduced in 1967.{{cite journal|title=About Ken - Mattel|url=http://www.mattel.com/About_Us/History/mattel_history.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081115163250/http://www.mattel.com/about_us/history/mattel_history.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2008|access-date=6 January 2016}}

Careers

  • Astronaut (clothing pack 1965{{Cite web |title=Vintage Ken Dolls & Clothes |url=https://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Ken-Doll.html |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Fashion Doll Guide}})
  • Banker (playset 1995{{Cite web |title=Barbie So Much To Do Bank Playset (#67401, 1995) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-so-much-to-do-bank-playset/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406235549/http://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-so-much-to-do-bank-playset/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Barista (2019{{Cite web |title=Barbie® Ken Barista Doll |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=FXP03&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Baseball player (clothing pack 1991{{Cite web |title=Ken Cool Careers Baseball Outfit (#2950, 1991) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-careers-baseball-outfit/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405162411/https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-careers-baseball-outfit/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Basketball player (clothing pack 2021{{Cite web |title=Ken® Fashions |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=GRC69&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Beach (2023{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=What Is Ken's Job? Even The Barbie Movie Can't Answer 62-Year Mystery |url=https://screenrant.com/barbie-movie-ken-job-not-beach-mystery/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}})
  • Boxer (clothing pack 1963)
  • Businessman (clothing pack 1992{{Cite web |title=Ken Cool Career Fashions Business Man (#866, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-business-man/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406211708/http://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-business-man/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Cameraman (playset 1987{{Cite web |title=Barbie TV GAME SHOW Playset (#7766, 1987) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-tv-game-show-playset/ |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013626/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-tv-game-show-playset/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Coach (clothing pack 1992{{Cite web |title=Ken Cool Career Fashions Coach (#866, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-coach/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405180826/https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-coach/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Country Western singer (1999{{Cite web |title=Barbie and Kenny Country Duet (#23498, 1999) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-and-kenny-country-duet/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603144814/http://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-and-kenny-country-duet/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Cowboy (Venezuela-exclusive Llanero 1989{{Cite web |title=Llanero Ken (#51-0297, 1989) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/llanero-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162108/http://www.barbiedb.com/llanero-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Dancer (2011{{Cite web |title=Barbie I Can Be Dance Superstar Giftset (#V9308, 2011) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-dance-superstar-giftset/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013605/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-dance-superstar-giftset/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Dentist (2020{{Cite web |title=Ken™ Brunette Dentist Doll With Professional Dental Coat |url=https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-doll-gjl66 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Mattel Shop |language=en}})
  • Doctor (1963-1965 fashion pack,1987,{{Cite web |title=Doctor Ken (#4118, 1987) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/doctor-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 1988,{{Cite web |title=Dr. Ken (#10.53.14, 1988) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/dr-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162050/https://www.barbiedb.com/dr-ken/ |url-status=dead }} clothing pack 1992,{{Cite web |title=Ken Cool Career Fashions Doctor (#866, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-doctor/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163629/http://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-doctor/ |url-status=dead }} 1998,{{Cite web |title=Dr. Ken & Little Patient Tommy (#18898, 1998) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/dr-ken-little-patient-tommy/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406060142/https://www.barbiedb.com/dr-ken-little-patient-tommy/ |url-status=dead }} 2010,{{Cite web |title=I Can Be Doctors Barbie and Ken Set (#W1379, 2010) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/i-can-be-doctors-barbie-and-ken-set/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406031936/https://www.barbiedb.com/i-can-be-doctors-barbie-and-ken-set/ |url-status=dead }} 2012{{Cite web |title=Barbie I Can Be Doctors Barbie and Ken Dolls (#3094, 2012) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-doctors-barbie-and-ken-dolls/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406090537/http://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-doctors-barbie-and-ken-dolls/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Dog trainer (2020{{Cite web |title=Ken™ Dog Trainer Playset |url=https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-dog-trainer-doll-gjm34 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Mattel Shop |language=en |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412222341/https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-dog-trainer-doll-gjm34 |url-status=dead }})
  • Drum major (clothing pack 1964)
  • Farmer (2019{{Cite web |last=PoodleLambAdmin |date=2021-04-28 |title=2018/2019 Barbie Sweet Orchard Farm Ken (GCK73) |url=https://www.toysisters.com/2018-2019-sweet-orchard-farm-barbie-ken-gck73/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Toy Sisters |language=en-US}})
  • Fashion model (2003{{Cite web |title=Fashion Insider Ken Giftset (#56706, 2003) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/fashion-insider-ken-giftset/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162108/https://www.barbiedb.com/fashion-insider-ken-giftset/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Film art director (2003{{Cite web |title=1 Modern Circle Ken (#B2245, 2003) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/1-modern-circle-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407041628/http://www.barbiedb.com/1-modern-circle-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Firefighter (2010,{{Cite web |title=Barbie I Can Be A Police Officer And Firefighter (#W1378, 2010) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-a-police-officer-and-firefighter/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162052/http://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-a-police-officer-and-firefighter/ |url-status=dead }} 2019)
  • Football player (clothing pack 1992{{Cite web |title=Ken Cool Career Fashions Football Star (#866, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-football-star/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406053705/http://www.barbiedb.com/ken-cool-career-fashions-football-star/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Golfer (clothing pack 2019{{Cite web |title=Barbie Clothes: Career Outfits for Ken Doll, Golfer Look with Golf Club, Gift for 3 to 8 Year Olds |url=https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Ken-Fashions-Golf/dp/B07GLXBHMY/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729003653/https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Ken-Fashions-Golf/dp/B07GLXBHMY/ |archive-date=29 July 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Amazon Canada}})
  • Hamburger chef (clothing pack 2020{{Cite web |title=Barbie® Ken® Career Fashions |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=GHX44&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Movie star (1977,{{Cite web |title=SuperStar Ken (#2211, 1977) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/superstar-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406060252/https://www.barbiedb.com/superstar-ken/ |url-status=dead }} 1988{{Cite web |title=SuperStar Ken (#1535, 1988) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/superstar-ken-1535/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406031945/http://www.barbiedb.com/superstar-ken-1535/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Ice skater (1990{{Cite web |title=Barbie Ice Capades Ken (#7375, 1990) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-ice-capades-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163630/http://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-ice-capades-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Lifeguard (1995,{{Cite web |title=Baywatch Ken (#13200, 1995) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/baywatch-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163629/http://www.barbiedb.com/baywatch-ken/ |url-status=dead }} 2019)
  • Nurse (clothing pack 2021{{Cite web |title=Ken® Fashions |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=GRC68&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Olympic athlete (Venezuela-exclusive 1988{{Cite web |title=Olimpico Ken (#51-0408, 1988) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/olimpico-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }})
  • Olympic figure skater (1997{{Cite web |title=Olympic USA Skater Barbie & Ken (#18726, 1997) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/olympic-usa-skater-barbie-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163627/https://www.barbiedb.com/olympic-usa-skater-barbie-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Olympic hockey player (clothing pack 1975{{Cite web |title=Barbie Ken Get Ups 'N Go A Hockey Champ's U.S. Olympic gear! (#7247, 1975) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-ken-get-ups-n-go-a-hockey-champs-u-s-olympic-gear/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162056/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-ken-get-ups-n-go-a-hockey-champs-u-s-olympic-gear/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Olympic skier (1975{{Cite web |title=Ken Gold Metal Skier (#7261, 1975) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-gold-metal-skier/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406015105/https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-gold-metal-skier/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Olympic swimmer (1975{{Cite web |title=Gold Medal Ken (#7380, 1975) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/gold-medal-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407034018/http://www.barbiedb.com/gold-medal-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Photographer (2000{{Cite web |title=Photographer Ken (#29903, 2000) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/photographer-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013613/https://www.barbiedb.com/photographer-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Pilot (clothing pack 1964, clothing pack 1973,{{Cite web |title=Ken Doll Vintage Mod Clothes Identified 1969-1976 |url=https://www.dollreference.com/ken_vintage_fashions1969-1976.html |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.dollreference.com}} 1990,{{Cite web |title=Flight Time Ken (#9600, 1990) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/flight-time-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162106/http://www.barbiedb.com/flight-time-ken/ |url-status=dead }} 2014{{Cite web |title=Barbie Careers Airplane Pilot Dolls Giftset, Barbie and Ken (#CCY12, 2014) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-careers-airplane-pilot-dolls-giftset-barbie-and-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }})
  • Pizza chef (clothing pack 2019{{Cite web |title=Barbie Clothes: Career Outfits for Ken doll, Pizza Chef Look with Pizza, Gift for 3 to 8 Year Olds |url=https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Fashions-Pizza-Chef/dp/B07GLGXM7B |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729003326/https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Fashions-Pizza-Chef/dp/B07GLGXM7B |archive-date=29 July 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Amazon Canada}})
  • Rapper (1992{{Cite web |title=Rappin' Rockin' Ken (#4903, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/rappin-rockin-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162108/https://www.barbiedb.com/rappin-rockin-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Referee (clothing pack 2019{{Cite web |title=Barbie Clothes: Career Outfits for Ken Doll, Referee Look with Whistle, Gift for 3 to 8 Year Olds |url=https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Fashions-Soccer-Referee/dp/B07GL668H8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729004002/https://www.amazon.ca/Barbie-Careers-Fashions-Soccer-Referee/dp/B07GL668H8/ |archive-date=29 July 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Amazon Canada}})
  • Reporter (clothing pack 1965, 2015{{Cite web |title=Barbie™ in Princess Power Reporter Ken Doll |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=CDY63&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Rock star (1987,{{Cite web |title=Barbie and Rockers Ken (#03131, 1987) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-and-rockers-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406060157/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-and-rockers-ken/ |url-status=dead }} 1989,{{Cite web |title=Ken Rock Star (#10.53.20, 1989) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/ken-rock-star/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162106/http://www.barbiedb.com/ken-rock-star/ |url-status=dead }} clothing pack 1991{{Cite web |title=KEN Doll Cool Career Fashions ROCK STAR Barbie New in Package! 1991 RARE! {{!}} #1723661043 |url=https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ken-doll-cool-career-fashions-rock-1723661043 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Worthpoint |language=en}})
  • Sailor (clothing pack 1963)
  • Saxophonist (clothing pack 2020{{Cite web |title=Barbie® Ken® Career Fashions |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=GHX43&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Science teacher (clothing pack 2020{{Cite web |title=Barbie® Ken® Career Fashions |url=https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/productDetail?prodno=GHX42&siteid=27 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Mattel Global Consumer Support}})
  • Skier (clothing pack 1963{{Cite web |title=Ken Doll Vintage Clothes Identified 1961-1967 |url=https://www.dollreference.com/ken_vintage_fashions1961-1967.html |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.dollreference.com}})
  • Snowboarder (2012{{Cite web |title=Barbie I Can Be Snowboarders Ken and Barbie (#X4479, 2012) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-snowboarders-ken-and-barbie/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405180825/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-i-can-be-snowboarders-ken-and-barbie/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Soccer player (2019)
  • Soda fountain worker (clothing pack 1964, 2000{{Cite web |title=COCA-COLA Ken (#25678, 2000) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/coca-cola-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162124/https://www.barbiedb.com/coca-cola-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Spy (2015{{Cite web |title=Barbie Spy Squad Ken Doll (#DHF19, 2015) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-spy-squad-ken-doll/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163629/https://www.barbiedb.com/barbie-spy-squad-ken-doll/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Starfleet command officer (1996{{Cite web |title=Barbie & Ken (30th Anniversary Star Trek Giftset) "Rare-Vintage" (1996) » Now And Then Collectibles |url=https://www.nowandthencollectibles.com/Catalog2/product/star-trek-giftset/ |access-date=2023-07-15 |language=en-US}})
  • Tennis player (1979{{Cite web |title=Sports Star Ken (#1336, 1979) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/sports-star-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162108/http://www.barbiedb.com/sports-star-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • United States Air Force pilot (clothing pack 1963, 1993{{Cite web |title=Stars 'n Stripes Air Force Ken (#11554, 1993) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/stars-n-stripes-air-force-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162052/http://www.barbiedb.com/stars-n-stripes-air-force-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilot (1994{{Cite web |title=Air Force Thunderbirds Barbie and Ken Stars 'N Stripes (#11581, 1994) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/air-force-thunderbirds-barbie-and-ken-stars-n-stripes/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406090537/http://www.barbiedb.com/air-force-thunderbirds-barbie-and-ken-stars-n-stripes/ |url-status=dead }})
  • United States Army officer (clothing pack 1963, 1992{{Cite web |title=Stars 'N Stripes Army Desert Storm Ken (#1237, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/stars-n-stripes-army-desert-storm-ken/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162056/http://www.barbiedb.com/stars-n-stripes-army-desert-storm-ken/ |url-status=dead }})
  • United States Marine Corps sergeant (1992{{Cite web |title=Marine Corps Ken AA (#5352, 1992) details and value |url=https://www.barbiedb.com/marine-corps-ken-aa/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=BarbieDB.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406235549/http://www.barbiedb.com/marine-corps-ken-aa/ |url-status=dead }})
  • Wildlife veterinarian (2020{{Cite web |title=Ken™ Wildlife Vet Playset |url=https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-wildlife-vet-doll-gjm33 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Mattel Shop |language=en |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013557/https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-wildlife-vet-doll-gjm33 |url-status=dead }})

Criticism

Ken's body proportions have been described as unrealistic by scholarly studies (his chest is estimated to be about 27.5% too large for a representative human male).{{Cite journal|date=2006-03-01|title=Change in sociocultural ideal male physique: An examination of past and present action figures|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1740144505001026|journal=Body Image|language=en|volume=3|issue=1|pages=87–91|doi=10.1016/j.bodyim.2005.11.001|issn=1740-1445|last1=Baghurst|first1=Timothy|last2=Hollander|first2=Daniel B.|last3=Nardella|first3=Beth|last4=Haff|first4=G. Gregory|pmid=18089212|url-access=subscription}} Unrealistic body proportions in Barbie dolls, including Ken's, have been connected to some eating disorders in children.{{Cite journal|last1=Brownell|first1=Kelly D.|last2=Napolitano|first2=Melissa A.|date=1995|title=Distorting reality for children: Body size proportions of Barbie and Ken dolls|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1098-108X%28199511%2918%3A3%3C295%3A%3AAID-EAT2260180313%3E3.0.CO%3B2-R|journal=International Journal of Eating Disorders|language=en|volume=18|issue=3|pages=295–298|doi=10.1002/1098-108X(199511)18:3<295::AID-EAT2260180313>3.0.CO;2-R|pmid=8556027|issn=1098-108X|url-access=subscription}}{{Cite journal|date=2008-03-01|title=Why Barbie feels heavier than Ken: The influence of size-based expectancies and social cues on the illusory perception of weight|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010027707001424|journal=Cognition|language=en|volume=106|issue=3|pages=1109–1125|doi=10.1016/j.cognition.2007.05.009|issn=0010-0277|last1=Dijker|first1=Anton J.M.|pmid=17599820|s2cid=26233026|url-access=subscription}} Another controversy has also centered around the visibility (or lack of it) of Ken's male genitalia.{{Cite journal|last=MacDougall|first=J. Paige|date=2003|title=Transnational Commodities as Local Cultural Icons: Barbie Dolls in Mexico|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1540-5931.00067|journal=The Journal of Popular Culture|language=en|volume=37|issue=2|pages=257–275|doi=10.1111/1540-5931.00067|issn=1540-5931|url-access=subscription}}

Media/multimedia appearances

Ken has starred in various roles not disclosed by Mattel in the Barbie media franchise, including the Barbie films, Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse, Barbie: Vlogger, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, Barbie's Dreamworld, Barbie: It Takes Two and Barbie: A Touch of Magic.

Billy Flanigan appeared as Ken in "Disney’s Magical World of Barbie".{{cite web|title=Magical World of Barbie|url=https://waltdatedworld.com/id134.htm|website=Walt Dated World|access-date=12 September 2022}} René Dif appeared as Ken in the music video for Aqua's "Barbie Girl".

Ken appeared in the Toy Story films from Pixar from Toy Story 2 onward. In the third film, which he appeared in as one of the henchmen of the film's villain, Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, he was voiced by Michael Keaton.{{Cite web|last=King|first=Susan|date=2 May 2010|title=The Actors: 'Toy Story 3's' Michael Keaton|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-02-la-ca-toystory-20100502-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=12 September 2021}}

American rapper Lil B likely named his 2017 mixtape Black Ken after Ken, as the cover art for the mixtape depicts Lil B and some of his female friends as dolls in the same style as Barbie.{{Cite web |title=Lil B: Black Ken |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lil-b-black-ken/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}

Atlanta rapper Kenyatta Lee Frazier Jr., known professionally as Ken Carson, got his name from the doll as he wanted to "live better than him".{{Cite web |title=Ken Carson biography |url=https://www.last.fm/music/Ken+Carson/+wiki |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Last.fm |language=en}}

In 2019, Pete Davidson and Julia Fox were a part of a photo shoot in Paper magazine, where Davidson posed as Ken and Fox posed as Barbie. The photo shoot was created for the 'Break the Internet' series of the magazine, which was made popular by Kim Kardashian's popular "Champagne Incident" portrait.{{Cite web|last=Choudhury|first=Meghdeepa|date=1 February 2022|title=Julia Fox and Pete Davidson's Paper magazine Barbie and Ken doll photos take the internet by storm|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/julia-fox-pete-davidson-s-paper-magazine-barbie-ken-doll-photos-take-internet-storm|website=Sportskeeda|access-date=14 January 2022}}

Various iterations of Ken appear in the 2023 live-action Barbie film, with the lead Ken (referred to as "Beach Ken") played by Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, and others by diverse actors such as Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans and John Cena.{{Cite web |last=Ermac |first=Raffy |date=April 4, 2023 |title=Here Are All the Actors Playing Ken in the New 'Barbie' Movie |url=https://www.out.com/film/barbie-movie-male-ken-actors |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.out.com |language=en}} Gosling received widespread critical acclaim and various accolades for his performance, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Songs inspired by Ken's character in the movie's soundtrack album{{Cite magazine |last=Aramesh |first=Waiss |date=2023-05-25 |title=Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Ice Spice, Charli XCX, and Even Ryan Gosling Feature on 'Barbie' Soundtrack |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/barbie-soundtrack-announced-dua-lipa-lizzo-more-1234741923/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} include "Man I Am" by Sam Smith and "I'm Just Ken" by Gosling and the other Ken actors; the latter received nominations for the Golden Globe{{Cite web |last1=Moreau |first1=Brent Lang, Jordan |last2=Lang |first2=Brent |last3=Moreau |first3=Jordan |date=2024-01-08 |title=Golden Globes: 'Oppenheimer' Leads With 5 Wins, 'Succession' Tops TV With 4 (Complete Winners List) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/awards/golden-globes-2024-winners-list-1235859774/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} and Academy Award for Best Original Song,{{Cite web |last1=Moreau |first1=Brent Lang, Jordan |last2=Lang |first2=Brent |last3=Moreau |first3=Jordan |date=2024-01-23 |title=Oscar Nominations 2024: 'Oppenheimer' Dominates With 13 Nods, 'Poor Things' Follows With 11 |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/awards/oscar-nominations-2024-list-1235877798/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} along with the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media{{Cite web |title=2024 GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominees List {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=grammy.com}}

=Names=

Ken is named after Ruth Handler’s son Kenneth.{{cite book |last1=Niemann |first1=Paul J. |title=More Invention Mysteries: 52 Little-Known True Stories Behind Well-Known Inventions |date=2006 |publisher=Invention Mysteries Books |isbn=978-0-9748041-1-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tx9Zkz0XqA4C |language=en}} In the 1960s Random House books, the character's surname is given as Carson. Barbie and Ken's surnames were taken from the name of Mattel's ad agency Carson/Roberts.{{cite book |last1=Rand |first1=Erica |title=Barbie's Queer Accessories |date=1995 |publisher=Duke University Press |isbn=978-0-8223-1620-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wyeeHB4F6ksC |language=en}} Ken's middle name is Sean.{{Cite magazine |last=Carlin |first=Shannon |date=2023-07-20 |title=The History Behind Barbie's Ken |url=https://time.com/6296386/barbie-ken-history/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |magazine=Time |language=en}}

Bibliography

  • "Barbie and Ken: History". Olsen, Eric. Blog Critics Magazine, 15 February 2004.{{cite web|date=15 February 2004|title=Barbie and Ken: History|url=http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/15/130739.php|website=Blog Critics|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412002908/http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/15/130739.php|archive-date=12 April 2009|access-date=16 August 2010}}{{self-published inline|date=April 2021}} 15 February 2004.
  • "How do Barbie and Ken Measure Up?" Linda Berg-Cross, Psychotherapy Letter, April 1996, Volume 8, Issue 4, Page 3.
  • History from Mattel Inc. 2001

References

{{reflist}}

External links

  • [http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/ Keeping Ken]

{{Barbie}}

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Category:1960s toys

Category:Barbie characters

Category:Doll brands

Category:Fictional models

Category:Male characters in advertising

Category:Mascots introduced in 1961

Category:Products introduced in 1961

Category:Toy mascots

Category:Fictional characters introduced in 1961