Kenneth Handler

Kenneth "Ken" Robert Handler was an American screenwriter, director and film composer. Born on March 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, he is the son of Mattel founders, Elliot Handler and Ruth Handler, creators of the Barbie and Ken doll, the latter of which is named after him.[2] He directed Delivery Boys and A Place Without Parents.

Kenneth Handler
Born(1944-03-22)March 22, 1944
Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedJune 11, 1994(1994-06-11) (aged 50)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Screenwriter, director, composer, real estate agent[1]
Known forNamesake of the Ken doll
Spouse
Suzie Handler
​
(m. 1963)​
Children3

Early life

Handler attended Hamilton High School, played piano and enjoyed watching movies with subtitles.[1]

Personal life

Handler married his wife Suzie Handler in 1963. They had three children.[1] Handler died on June 11, 1994 from a brain tumor,[3] though some claims have been made that Handler was a closeted gay man[4] and died from complications related to AIDS.[5][6][7]

References
  1. Denise Gellene (1989-01-29). "Fame Dogs 'Real' Barbie, Ken". LA Times. Retrieved 2023-02-13.
  2. Brynn Holland (2016-01-29). "Barbie Through the Ages". History. Retrieved 2023-02-13.
  3. Woo, Elaine (2002-02-27). "Barbie creator Handler, 85, dies". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2023-02-13. Her son, Ken, died of a brain tumor in 1994.
  4. "John Walsh: 'Barbie was based on a cartoon prostitute who'd do anything for money'". The Independent. 2009-01-09. Retrieved 2023-02-14. Despite the vast bosom, she never possessed nipples or genitalia; despite her boyfriend Ken (based on the son of the founder of Mattel, who turned out to be gay), she was never likely to become Pregnant Barbie or Hackney Slapper Barbie.
  5. Susan Shapiro (2019-03-11). "Barbie, Like her Creator, Is a Feminist". Daily Beast. Retrieved 2023-02-14. When she found out her married son Ken had contracted AIDS from a gay affair, she supported him and took him to top doctors, before he died in 1994.
  6. Oppenheimer, Jerry (2009). Toy Monster: The Big, Bad World of Mattel. Wiley. ISBN 9780470371268.
  7. Gerber, Robin (2009). Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her. Harper. ISBN 9780061341311.
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