With his suave looks, white teeth and impressive physique, he’s probably the most famous Ken in the world – and this week he turns 60.
Introduced in 1961, he first appeared alongside Barbie in an advert and was labelled her “best friend”.
He certainly didn’t draw too much focus from her high-fashion style, preferring slacks and a cardigan.
He became an overnight sensation when Ken’s beach look was revealed including tight red trunks, cork sandals and a yellow towel.
There were suggestions in the early evolution of Ken that perhaps a bulge might be included to suggest realism and reaffirm his... male form.
How many of these Ken dolls can you remember? Let us know in the comments section
But the research and design team decided it was better for makers Mattel if his shorts stayed flat.
As his popularity grew in the 1970s, his wardrobe selection expanded.
Influential US and UK designers were clamouring to design his gear.
In one incarnation, he was given a beard and sideburns.
The 80s saw the arrival of Malibu Ken and the first representation of ethnic diversity.
More questionable were the arrival of Fashionista Ken with manbun and cornrows in 2017 as well as a six-pack torso.
Ken has always been a keen swimmer, tennis player and golfer among other sports.
In 1975 Gold Olympic Medal Kens came in the form of Swimming Ken and Skiing Ken.
His career has been as diverse as his sporting life and he’s had more than 30 jobs.
Ken has been a doctor, a firefighter, a lifeguard, a tennis coach and pilot.
He’s also tested the waters of the gig economy with a stint as a hipster barista.
No longer the cloned Ken of yesteryear, today’s doll is celebrated in many forms.
There are three different body types, nine skin tones and 10 eye colours.
New for this year, there is now a Ken with afro-textured hair.
Toy expert Peter Jenkinson says: “Often written off as old-fashioned amongst a world of digital play and streamed content, the Barbie brand, which of course counts Ken in its number, has had a successful year during the pandemic as tangible toys were once again bought by kids and parents shopping online.
“Shares in Mattel are up almost 50% and sales of the range have seen the best growth in two decades.
“Ken and Barbie are timeless toys although they have rightly evolved along the way.
“Mattel have always been careful to protect the brand and maintain their relevancy.
"Barbie is still the number one selling toy in the world.”
In terms of relationships, it’s been a rocky path for Ken and Barbie and the couple have been more on and off than Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.
Mattel broke the news the couple had split in 2004.
In 2006 they had reunited... only for them to split once again.
Barbie had already appeared in many films when Ken made his big screen debut, in 2010’s Toy Story 3.
He made more than 50 costume changes in the film and later Barbie and Ken were revealed to be an item again.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary, Mattel teamed with Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson and recreated some of Ken’s most memorable looks.
There’s plenty of obsessing about the multi-talented doll in the real world.
Quentin Dehar, a 24-year-old French TV personality who aspires to be like Ken, was in a relationship with Barbie-like Anastasia Reskoss.
The two began dating over their shared interest in the dolls but sadly split.
Then there’s Rodrigo Alves, a 37-year-old flight attendant who spent tens of thousands to achieve a Ken-like look... but has now gender-transitioned, is known as Jessica and looks more like Barbie.
One of the most dramatic of the Ken lookalikes is Justin Jedlica, a plastic surgery consultant who has undergone more than 300 cosmetic procedures, his first nose job at 18.
He has since spent millions on plastic surgery.
Many of his procedures, which include custom back implants, shoulder implants, and multiple nose jobs, have been paid for by male fans.
He even starred in a documentary about body modifications – The Human Ken Doll.
Expert Peter adds: “Much has been written about Barbie’s new looks and careers over the years, but Ken has been much forgotten.
“Now he’s 60 will he become retired Ken, with a bus pass and slipped instead of a sports car? I don’t think so.
“He’ll be forever 21.”
Ken’s Fact File
Full name: Kenneth Sean Carson
Age: 60
Siblings: younger brother Tommy born 1997
Star sign: Pisces
Net worth: $3.50 in 1961
Lesser-known Kens: Branagh, Livingstone, Hom, Dodd, Clarke and Barlow
