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flag Ken, the Mattel doll, gets full name Kenneth Sean Carson and a new independent identity in 2026.

flag Ken, the iconic doll introduced by Mattel in 1961, is celebrating his 65th birthday in March 2026 with the revelation of his full name: Kenneth Sean Carson. flag Mattel announced a "new era" for the character, positioning Ken as an independent figure exploring life beyond his longtime role as Barbie’s boyfriend. flag The updated doll, available starting April 14 at Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel Creations, reflects a broader effort to promote individuality and inclusivity, following the release of a sensory-sensitive autistic Barbie developed with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. flag While originally named after Kenneth Handler, the real-life son of Mattel co-founders, Handler has said he does not see himself reflected in the character.

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