Nationality: USA
Inducted: 2024
Notable Record(s):
- Most expensive Barbie doll sold at auction: Barbie by jeweller Stefano Canturi, $302,500 (then approx. £192,000)
- Largest collection of Barbie dolls (18,500)
An ICON because...
Ever since Ruth Handler created her in 1959, the hyper-famous doll has fed the imagination of children all around the world.
Originally named Barbara Millicent Roberts after Ruth's daughter, Barbie has done it all: she is an astronaut, a president, a sister, and the muse of several designers (starting with Oscar de la Renta in 1985). She's a boss woman. She owns endless accessories in her DreamVilla, and races around in her signature pink car.
From inspiring astounding collections (superfan Bettina Dorfmann has owned the largest collection of Barbie dolls since 2005) to becoming a pop legend and challenging stereotypes, Barbie works hard for her dollars... and for her records!
More recently, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023) has earned the doll a new record.
The blockbuster, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, was the highest-grossing female-directed film at the domestic box office (opening weekend) after making a jaw-dropping $162,022,044 (£125,620,065) within the first days of its release.
