Mr. Potato Head
It's often said that the potato is the most versatile of foods. Thanks to an invention in the late 1940s, it's also possible to play with a potato! Mr Potato Head has delighted children since it first came on the market in 1952. Hasbro manufactures it and they saw the commercial potential of the unusual toy straight away. It was the first toy to be advertised on national television.
Children love to add the attachable mustache, hat, nose and other accessories to the potato body, bringing him to life. These parts were increased in size in 1973 due to concerns over safety for young children. Mr Potato Head is not alone; he has a family consisting of Mrs Potato Head, Brother Spud and Sister Yam.
The lovable toy has appeared in comic strips and in movies and TV. This has certainly helped to sustain the toy's popularity over the years, especially in today's age of electronic gadgetry. He was first seen on a television show in 1985 when he appeared in Potato Head Kids. A brief show in the 1990s was shown on the Fox network, called The Mr Potato Head Show.
The toy's most famous incarnation is in the movie, Toy Story and its sequel. Don Rickles voiced the character, expertly bringing his personality to life. The story is a smart commentary on the real life situation of traditional toys having to compete with the new kid on the block, in this case, Buzz Lightyear. Our beloved potato more than holds his own in all the adventures.
Some witty tie ins with famous franchises have promoted the toy well. Products were sold aimed at Star Wars fans in the form of Darth Tater, Spud Trooper and Artoo-Potatoo. Spider-Man inspired Spider Spud and Transformers produced Optimash Prime.
Hasbro is always looking to new ideas and they brought in a new range of accessories in 2006, that can be sold separately to the Mr Potato Head body. Children can interchange the toy with different themes such as mermaid, pirate, construction worker and Santa Claus.
The manufacturers marked the 50th Anniversary of the toy in an unusual way. Hasbro, based in Rhode Island, issued vehicle license plates with the Potato Head logo for the Rhode Island area. A percentage of the proceeds went to a local food bank, the humble potato contributing to the battle against hunger. Who knows what the little guy will do next?
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