Mattel, Inc. is a global toy and entertainment powerhouse, founded in 1945 in a Los Angeles garage by Harold “Matt” Matson and the husband-and-wife duo Elliot and Ruth Handler. The name “Mattel” is a blend of Mattson and Elliot. What began with picture frames and dollhouse furniture quickly evolved into a toy empire that would shape generations.

Mattel’s first breakout hit was the Uke-A-Doodle, a child-sized plastic ukulele, but it was the launch of Barbie in 1959—dreamed up by Ruth Handler after watching her daughter play with paper dolls—that catapulted the company into cultural icon status. Over the decades, Mattel introduced legendary brands like Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, American Girl, and UNO, and became known for its bold marketing moves—like being the first toy company to advertise on national television.

Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Mattel now operates in over 150 countries and owns one of the most recognizable portfolios in the toy industry. Beyond toys, it has expanded into digital gaming, film, and television through divisions like Mattel Films and Mattel Television, bringing its characters to life on screens big and small.