HOLLYWOOD (November 13, 2002) - Joining the long list of "Who's Who" among celebrity royalty including Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple and Elizabeth Taylor, America's favorite fashion doll - Barbie(R) - was officially inaugurated into Hollywood stardom today as her hands and footprints were immortalized in cement at the Egyptian Theater on the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood's Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant, hosted the celebration, and Barbara Handler Segal, Barbie(R) doll's namesake and daughter of the Barbie(R) doll creator, Ruth Handler, did the honors of placing Barbie(R) doll's hands and footprints in the famous wet cement in memory of her late mother. This timeless Tinseltown tradition also commemorated the release of Barbie(R) doll's second - and top-selling - movie, "Barbie(TM) as Rapunzel," currently on sale worldwide.
"As a true pioneer and innovator, my mother created Barbie(R) with the idea that every little girl needed a doll to play out her dreams for the future," said Barbara Handler Segal. "She felt that through the doll, a little girl could be anything she wanted to be. And because of my mother's vision, millions of girls around the world have smiled, laughed and had a best friend in Barbie(R)."
"Barbie(R) has been a true star to millions of little girls around the world for more than 43 years," said Adrienne Fontanella, president, girls division, Mattel. "The success of 'Barbie in the Nutcracker(TM)' and 'Barbie(TM) as Rapunzel' have really solidified Barbie(R) doll's status as a movie star and Mattel is honored that she is now recognized in this great Hollywood tradition."
Since her career debut in 1959 as a teen fashion model, Barbie(R) has played many roles ranging from astronaut to presidential candidate to teacher. While she's played numerous supporting roles in the past, one of her most exciting roles ever has been that of a movie star. Last year, Barbie(R) dominated the pink carpet and became an overnight movie sensation with her award-winning, top-selling debut movie, "Barbie in the Nutcracker(TM)." While topping video charts everywhere, Barbie(R) danced into the Hollywood spotlight, garnering rave reviews from critics and girls alike.
"Barbie in the Nutcracker(TM)" proved that Barbie(R) was more than just a star in the hearts of girls; she was a mega movie star as well. "Barbie in the Nutcracker" sold more than 5 million in videos worldwide, making it the #2 best-selling kids video in 2001.
The full-length, motion-capture CGI animated film, "Barbie(TM) as Rapunzel" is produced by Mattel Entertainment and distributed by Artisan Entertainment's Family Home Entertainment (FHE) in the U.S. and Canada and Entertainment Rights and Universal outside of North America.
About Mattel Girls Division
Since the Barbie(R) doll's launch in 1959 as a paper doll inspired friend, she has firmly established herself as the most popular fashion doll ever created. For more than four decades, Mattel has maintained Barbie(R) doll's popularity by adapting her look, lifestyle and fashions to meet changing times while evolving her world into an overall lifestyle brand for girls. While the Barbie� Brand represents Mattel's initial roots in girls' toys, the girls division has several best-selling brands including American Girl, Diva Starz, What's Her Face! and Polly Pocket!(TM). A natural extension of the brands to the online world, Mattel's Girls Interactive Group provides girls of the 21st century a new way to interact with their favorite toys through web sites and licensed Mattel-branded interactive software and video game titles.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 27,000 people in 36 countries and its products are sold in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to create and market the world's premier toy brands --- for today and tomorrow.
BARBIE, DIVA STARZ, AMERICAN GIRL, WHAT'S HER FACE and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel, Inc. (C) 2002 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Polly Pocket! Under license from Origin Products Ltd. And Bluebird Toys (UK) Ltd. (C) 2002 Origin Products Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
