9 Surprising Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ken

Throughout history, many famous blondes – both real people and characters – have captured our attention, like Marilyn Monroe, Elle Woods, Regina George, and, of course, Barbie. And let’s not forget Ken, Barbie’s counterpart! Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken in the Barbie movie has only added to his popularity – I’ll happily admit I played “I’m Just Ken” on repeat! But did you know Ken is turning 65? That’s right, 2026 will be the 65th anniversary of his debut. To celebrate this milestone for such a well-known figure in pop culture, here are some surprising facts about Ken.

1. His full name is Kenneth Sean Carson.

Although Barbie never says Ken’s full name in the films, it’s officially Kenneth Sean Carson. He was named after the son of the people who created Mattel, Ruth and Elliot Handler.

2. Ken’s hometown is Willows, Wisconsin.

Barbie and Ken both came from the made-up town of Willows, Wisconsin, but later moved to Malibu. They first met in 1961 while filming a TV commercial together. Though it’s not as glamorous as Barbieland, Malibu is where they’ve built their life together.

3. He is a Pisces. (You’re welcome, astrology folks)

I’m a big fan of Ken and Barbie, and it’s so interesting to learn about their birthdays! Ken was born on March 11th, 1961, which makes him a Pisces. Barbie is just a little older – she was born on March 9th, 1959, also a Pisces! It’s cool that they’re both Pisces – a really good astrological pairing, if you’re into that sort of thing.

4. The first Ken doll was just $3.50.

It was quite a deal at the time, though surprisingly, it cost more than a Ken doll does today. Back in 1961, the first Ken cost $3.50, which is about $37.94 in today’s money – a significant amount! He had sculpted blonde or brown hair, wore red swim trunks and cork sandals, and came with a yellow towel.

5. Ken is taller than Barbie.

Following the typical height differences of the time, Ken is a bit taller than Barbie. He measures 12 inches in height, which is half an inch more than Barbie’s height.

6. He’s more than “Just Ken.”

Many people think of Ken as just a beach companion, but he’s actually quite accomplished! Like Barbie, he’s both fashionable and intelligent. Over the years, Ken has held a variety of jobs, from doctor in 1963 and pilot in 1975, to a tennis star in 1980, and more recently, a firefighter, lifeguard, and barista in 2019.

7. Kenneth, the car guy.

Ken is famous for his stylish drives along the Malibu coast – it’s an image many remember from Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” video in the 90s. He owns some truly memorable cars, like a classic 1984 Corvette and a Mini Cooper from the early 2010s.

8. Barbie and Ken broke up.

Ken and Barbie have always been seen as a famous couple, but many people don’t realize they actually split up back in 2004 – on Valentine’s Day, of all days! The breakup was a huge surprise. Luckily, they couldn’t stay apart for long. True to the idea that love finds a way, Barbie and Ken got back together in 2011, and some say it happened while they were working on the movie Toy Story 3.

9. He’s got more looks than you think.

For a long time, people have pictured Ken as a blonde, tanned, and muscular doll. But today, Ken is much more diverse! He now comes in three different body types, with nine skin tones, ten eye colors, twenty hairstyles, and a wide range of twenty-seven hair colors.

We’ve discovered Ken is more complex than we initially realized! He jokingly describes himself as simply “great at doing stuff,” but that’s an understatement – he’s a doctor, a firefighter, and a whole lot more. It’s a fascinating contrast! Now, in the new Barbie movie and beyond, Ken is on a journey of self-discovery, independent of Barbie. In fact, Expedia and Mattel have teamed up to send him on a year-long global adventure, hoping to inspire people along the way. Wherever life takes him, we know he’s perfectly himself – Kenough! Happy 65th birthday, Kenneth.

2026-01-27 21:33