The inventors of Hot Wheels and Barbie were married

Did you know that Ruth and Elliot Handler, the founders of Hot Wheels and Barbie were married?

Both Ruth Marianna Handler (1916 – 2002) and Elliot Handler (1916 – 2011) were American businesspeople, as well as inventors.

Ruth handler served as the president of the toy manufacturer Mattel Inc., and is remembered for her role in marketing the Barbie doll.

Elliot Handler  was the co-founder of Mattel, and together with  his wife, he was a developer of some of the biggest-selling toys in American history, including Barbie dolls, Chatty Cathy, Creepy Crawlers and Hot Wheels.