Joan Anderson, the creative mind who named the beloved hula hoop, has passed away at the impressive age of 101. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she stumbled upon people twirling wooden hoops during a visit back home, and her fascination led her to introduce this new toy to the American market.
In a 2018 documentary titled "Hula Girl," Anderson revealed how she and her husband first approached a toy company, Wham-O, to showcase the hula hoop. They dubbed it after the hula dance, hoping to connect its playful spirit with the popular culture. The agreement was initially sealed with just a handshake, and soon the hula hoop soared in sales, becoming a worldwide trend.
However, despite their pivotal role, Anderson and her husband were never acknowledged for their contributions, and later recounts credited an unnamed "Australian friend" instead. Frustrated by the oversight, the couple pursued legal action, resulting in a minimal settlement, but they never received the recognition they deserved.
Anderson, born Joan Constance Manning on December 28, 1923, led a remarkable life filled with accomplishments, from her days as a swimsuit model to her heartfelt family life. She passed away on July 14 at a nursing home in California, remembered fondly by her family, which includes two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren. Her legacy as the woman behind the hula hoop lives on!
In a 2018 documentary titled "Hula Girl," Anderson revealed how she and her husband first approached a toy company, Wham-O, to showcase the hula hoop. They dubbed it after the hula dance, hoping to connect its playful spirit with the popular culture. The agreement was initially sealed with just a handshake, and soon the hula hoop soared in sales, becoming a worldwide trend.
However, despite their pivotal role, Anderson and her husband were never acknowledged for their contributions, and later recounts credited an unnamed "Australian friend" instead. Frustrated by the oversight, the couple pursued legal action, resulting in a minimal settlement, but they never received the recognition they deserved.
Anderson, born Joan Constance Manning on December 28, 1923, led a remarkable life filled with accomplishments, from her days as a swimsuit model to her heartfelt family life. She passed away on July 14 at a nursing home in California, remembered fondly by her family, which includes two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren. Her legacy as the woman behind the hula hoop lives on!
