Her remarkable journey from California to the toy industry spotlight is a testament to her tenacity and creativity, which ultimately led to the hula hoop's global success, despite her contributions being largely overlooked.
Joan Anderson, the Unsung Hero of the Hula Hoop, Passes Away at 101
Joan Anderson, the Unsung Hero of the Hula Hoop, Passes Away at 101
Joan Anderson, who played a pivotal role in the invention and naming of the hula hoop, has died at the age of 101 while visiting Australia.
Joan Constance Manning, known as Joan Anderson, has passed away at the remarkable age of 101. Born in Sydney on December 28, 1923, she initially carved a career out of modeling swimsuits. However, her legacy extends far beyond the runway; she is celebrated for coining the name "hula hoop" and bringing this playful toy into the mainstream.
While visiting Australia, Anderson became captivated by the local "hooping" trend and ordered a wooden hoop to ship back to the United States. This fateful decision led her, alongside her husband Wayne, to present the product to executives at Wham-O, a leading toy company. Anderson recounted their approach to the toy company's head in the early 1960s, sharing that they had named the toy the hula hoop, drawing inspiration from the iconic Hawaiian dance. "He said, 'looks like it has some merit, if it makes money for us, it's going to make money for you,'" she recalled in a documentary titled Hula Girl.
Despite her significant contributions, the couple faced an uphill battle for recognition. Over time, they became frustrated as the toy company's executives failed to acknowledge their vital role, which ultimately led them to take legal action for compensation. Though they secured a modest settlement for their trouble, they never achieved the credit they deserved. Instead, later accounts misleadingly referred to her as merely an "Australian friend" of the hula hoop's story, igniting a sense of indignation in Anderson. “I was not a ‘friend’. It was never reported correctly at all,” she expressed.
In reflecting on her life, the filmmaker who chronicled Anderson’s journey noted the remarkable resilience and vigor the centenarian exhibited, even during her later years. Anderson's family shared sentiments about her leaving behind a legacy filled with adventure, creativity, and love. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and cherished memories, including a son who sadly passed away earlier this year. Joan Anderson, remembered for transforming a simple toy into an international phenomenon, leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
While visiting Australia, Anderson became captivated by the local "hooping" trend and ordered a wooden hoop to ship back to the United States. This fateful decision led her, alongside her husband Wayne, to present the product to executives at Wham-O, a leading toy company. Anderson recounted their approach to the toy company's head in the early 1960s, sharing that they had named the toy the hula hoop, drawing inspiration from the iconic Hawaiian dance. "He said, 'looks like it has some merit, if it makes money for us, it's going to make money for you,'" she recalled in a documentary titled Hula Girl.
Despite her significant contributions, the couple faced an uphill battle for recognition. Over time, they became frustrated as the toy company's executives failed to acknowledge their vital role, which ultimately led them to take legal action for compensation. Though they secured a modest settlement for their trouble, they never achieved the credit they deserved. Instead, later accounts misleadingly referred to her as merely an "Australian friend" of the hula hoop's story, igniting a sense of indignation in Anderson. “I was not a ‘friend’. It was never reported correctly at all,” she expressed.
In reflecting on her life, the filmmaker who chronicled Anderson’s journey noted the remarkable resilience and vigor the centenarian exhibited, even during her later years. Anderson's family shared sentiments about her leaving behind a legacy filled with adventure, creativity, and love. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and cherished memories, including a son who sadly passed away earlier this year. Joan Anderson, remembered for transforming a simple toy into an international phenomenon, leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
