Forever young: Photos of Barbie's 50 years

1961 Two years later, Barbie got a male companion to pal around with, Ken. Barbie and Ken stayed together 43 years. The boyfriend's name was inspired by the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler. Ken Handler, the son for whom the doll was named, was a closeted gay man who hated the Ken doll and later died of AIDS.
1961

Two years later, Barbie got a male companion to pal around with, Ken. Barbie and Ken stayed together 43 years. The boyfriend's name was inspired by the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler. Ken Handler, the son for whom the doll was named, was a closeted gay man who hated the Ken doll and later died of AIDS.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)