Barbie was first released in 1959 and now 64 years later, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are set to bring Barbie and Ken to life in a highly-anticipated movie.
As Barbiemania grips the nation ahead of its July 21 release, the global leader in family history Ancestry, has looked back on Barbie’s life and career to let us celebrate how far she’s come.
Ancestry’s newspaper archives from over the years have unearthed some little-known facts about the legendary doll – how many do you know?
Look back at the history of Barbie as Margot Robbie brings the doll to life
One article in The Winona Daily News revealed that Barbie and Ken were actually named after the inventor’s two children, Barbara and Ken.
The news article also reported that the first Barbie cost $3 USD which is the equivalent of $31.35 or £24.25 today.
Barbie is beloved for her many careers – she has had over 200 jobs in her time – becoming Doctor Barbie in 1988 and NASCAR Barbie in 1998.
The article also reported that visual artist Andy Warhol was commissioned to paint a portrait of Barbie in 1986.
The Winona Daily News piece also said that Barbie and Ken split in 2004 but they were reunited 12 years later in 2016.
If you want to find out if you’re a Barbie girl, living in a Barbie world or you’re just Ken (and happy to go along for a ride, take our ultimate Barbie quiz.
Not to mention if you have any Barbie toys lying around, it might be time to check your cupboards.
Have a look at our rundown because these Barbie collectables could make you £1k!
Laura House, Genetic Genealogist at Ancestry said: “Family trees and DNA are the foundation to family history research, offering insightful snapshots of our ancestors’ lives and the relationships between them.
“However, it doesn’t stop there as sharing stories also offers a chance to understand key cultural moments through the lens of others too, and we hope Ancestry’s hundreds of newspaper records only continue to give us a window into how key moments shaped the world and the impact they had on our ancestors.
“No matter how big or small – from the outbreak of war to the introduction of the Barbie doll to the world.”
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