American national biography online ruth handler daughter

When Ruth Handler created Barbie and Ken, she named them after two special people in her life: her kids. 

Ruth and her husband Elliot Handler, with whom she founded Mattel, were the parents of two children, a daughter named Barbara and a son named Kenneth.

Ruth and Elliot were actually high school sweethearts before they married in 1938 and moved to Los Angeles shortly after.

Ruth handler age

Almost a decade later, they founded Mattel with their business partner Harold “Matt” Matson in 1945. In addition to serving as the co-founder of the toy manufacturing and entertainment company, Ruth also served as the president of Mattel from 1945 until 1973.

Most recently, Barbara gave her seal of approval of the Barbie movie, specifically praising Margot Robbie’s role as the popular doll. 

Here’s everything to know about Ruth’s children.

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