Bernard Loomis, the former vice president of Mattel who writer David Owen dubbed as ""The Man Who Invented Saturday Morning" passed away on Friday of heart disease at the age of 82. Loomis was largely responsible for Saturday morning fare that was meant to not only entertain, but also sell products. He helped launch such toy lines such as Star Wars, Barbie, Care Bears, and Strawberry Shortcake through TV specials, cartoons, and commercials. Loomis also worked at Kenner (maker of Star Wars toys) and General Mills. He also helped develop an action figure based on the Six Million Dollar Man and also "develop strategy" for the popular Chatty Cathy doll while working for Mattel.Bernard Loomis dead at 82
Bernard Loomis, the former vice president of Mattel who writer David Owen dubbed as ""The Man Who Invented Saturday Morning" passed away on Friday of heart disease at the age of 82. Loomis was largely responsible for Saturday morning fare that was meant to not only entertain, but also sell products. He helped launch such toy lines such as Star Wars, Barbie, Care Bears, and Strawberry Shortcake through TV specials, cartoons, and commercials. Loomis also worked at Kenner (maker of Star Wars toys) and General Mills. He also helped develop an action figure based on the Six Million Dollar Man and also "develop strategy" for the popular Chatty Cathy doll while working for Mattel.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-06-2006 @ 2:19PM
Lampbane said...
Wow. You know, I never really thought about how much toy companies really affected TV... hey, was he the guy who behind "We girls can do anything, right Barbie?" or was that someone else?
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