Mr Potatohead - who would have thought you could make such a compelling toy/icon from a plastic vegatable? But it was George Lerner who planted that first seed in our heads over 50 years ago, and since then Mr Potatohead has become something of a legume legend - and even a moviestar! When Lerner sold his idea to Hasbro, the first ever Mr Potatohead hit toy stores complete with a Styrofoam 'practice' spud, so kids could hone their aim before being let loose on Mum's precious potatoes, and instructions on how to create the ideal Mr. Hasbro gained such popularity with their creation - filling A La Carte Kitchens all over the country - that it went that step further and gave Mr Potatohead a love interest... yes, you guessed it, Mrs Potatohead. Not long after, along came the sprogs, Bruther Spud and Sister Yam, plus their own Spud-ette pets. But rest assured, the potato family weren't squished at the back of the kitchen cupboard, rather they had their very own kitchen to live in and even a car. But that wasn't the end... because just around the corner was plastic! The arrival of plastic on the scene meant that Mr Potatohead could become a lot more long-lasting and sturdy. It also meant a complete new wardrobe for him and his missus, in the form of themed accessories: Mrs Potatohead got a feather duster and a dinner bell, while Mr Potatohead got a fishing rod and a kite. No such thing as sexism back in those days! Luckily, the dynamic duo were allowed on holidays occasionally, with the release of On The Farm, On The Moon and On The Railroad themed sets, and even a Jumping Mr and Mrs for when they fancied going dancing together. Not to let the other vegetables feel left out, later creations included Pete the Pepper, Cooky the cucumber, Oscar the Orange, Willie Burger and Mr Ketchup Head, Frenchy Fry and Dunkie Donut Head (only available at Dunkin Donuts). In the 70s, children had the option to add animal parts to their potatoes With this level of fame, Mr Potatohead's attentions were turned away from being a mere thing of folly to that of political activism. Yes you heard right. In 1986, he abandoned his smoking pipe as a show of allegiance with American Cancer's Society 'Great American Smokeout'. He then went on to encourage Americans to use their votes, while in 1997 he urged the people to 'Try The Fry' as Burger King's official spokespud. But children of this generation are more likely to associate Mr Potatohead with one of the hit movies of the 90s - Pixar's Toy Story. He also appeared in the sequel four years later, this time with his lovely lady on his arm and a Barrel Of Monkeys! Clever marketing has also linked our fave potato with Star Wars - a sure-fire winning combination in DYR's opinion. Whatever next?
TOYS
Mr. Potatohead
Author of this article:
Contributors to this article:
- There are no contributors yet
Do You Remember Mr. Potatohead?
Do You Remember Mr. Potatohead?