Over the years, hundreds of famous people, such as Audrey Hepburn and Farrah Fawcett, have been made into Barbie dolls.
Following the Harry Potter frenzy, even JK Rowling purchased a doll for herself. Collectors’ artefacts sometimes eerily resemble their larger-than-life counterparts.
As Brits get ready for the release of the Barbie film, here are the British celebrities that got a Barbie makeover.
JK Rowling
The JK Rowling Barbie was released in 2010. The doll is dressed in the black wool suit and hot pink top combination she wore at the 2009 Monsters and Critics Award Banquet.
Sugoiii~ RT @MinistryMagicID: #KSPict Barbie of JK. Rowling :") pic.twitter.com/DpSp6NoyHg
— Eka Gita Dewanti (@gitaED) May 5, 2013
Rowling's Barbie doll, which did not go on general sale, was displayed in Mattel’s showroom at the world’s largest toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany.
Twiggy
The Twiggy Barbie doll is a rare doll first released in 1967.
Twiggy - the first celebrity Barbie doll (produced in 1967). Despite my affection for vintage dolls, I have no interest in seeing the new Barbie movie. I do hope the director was smart & creative enough to offer Twiggy a guest appearance in her new film but I suspect not. pic.twitter.com/spmg0nAiuy
— Kimberly Lindbergs (@cinebeats) July 20, 2023
The British fashion model was the first Mattel doll fashioned after a real person.
Will and Kate
Prince William and Kate Barbies were released in 2012 to commemorate the first anniversary of their wedding.
Remember when Mattel Barbie made Will and Kate dolls 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/QJRfFe2XkB
— Aimee🌷 (@CambridgeAimee) February 8, 2021
The dolls are dressed in their wedding day outfits and feature authentic replica details from their special day.
According to Amazon, the dolls were one of the year’s most sought after Barbie Collector Gift Sets.
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn’s Barbie was released in 1998.
Audrey Hepburn Barbie 😍 pic.twitter.com/mbvUhUT3HK
— Cinema Bites (@cinema_bites) July 18, 2014
The Audrey Hepburn doll approved by the Audrey Hepburn estate acts as a tribute to the life and work of the actress. The first dolls and outfits in the collection are inspired by her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
David Bowie
This features the powder-blue costume David Bowie wore in the Life on Mars music video. Platform shoes, a bold tie and a pinstripe shirt with foil printing are all authentic accents.
MOE Trivia
— Miles of Entertainment (@MOEatMiles) July 11, 2023
On July 11, 2019, Mattel introduced a new collectible Barbie as Bowie doll inspired by David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust glam-rock alter ego. Original unopened versions sell for hundreds today#DavidBowie #Barbie #trivia pic.twitter.com/nRWYloPzRa
The outfit is finished off with bright blue makeup and a 1970s glam-inspired hairdo.
Elizabeth Taylor
The Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Barbie was released in 2012 and followed several others. She also has a Cleopatra doll, which reproduces the golden outfit she wore in the 1963 Cleopatra film she starred in with Richard Burton.
Elizabeth taylor barbie
— محالاندیش (@mahaalandishh) March 10, 2023
Father of the bride pic.twitter.com/YEM2JYfyD2
An Elizabeth Taylor #Cleopatra #Barbie. pic.twitter.com/ZWlcstSTBM
— Channing Thomson (@CHANNINGPOSTERS) February 28, 2015
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall was released as part of the Barbie Inspiring Women Series in 2022. Barbie honoured the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace with a collectible doll made from recycled materials. Joined by chimpanzee David Greybeard, the Goodall Barbie doll wears field attire and comes equipped with a pair of binoculars and a notebook.
Good News Alert:
— Goodable (@Goodable) July 14, 2022
Conservationist Jane Goodall has her own Barbie doll.
Mattel announced the new doll this week - and it's made entirely out of recycled plastic. Goodall hopes it will encourage boys and girls to be curious and explore the world around them. pic.twitter.com/8amb7pnsNh
Elton John
The Elton John Barbie doll, released in 2020, has specially designed packaging and makes a great gift for fans and collectors.
Elton John has teamed up with Mattel to launch his very own Barbie doll, inspired by his unflappable spirit and iconic style https://t.co/BnQz7n1aW0 pic.twitter.com/nvnr9v6aVi
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 22, 2020
In a glittery blouse and flared jeans adorned with Elton’s sparkling initials, the Elton John Barbie doll sparkles brilliantly. The doll's bomber jacket, which has the name “Elton” stamped on it, has rainbow-striped sleeves and a star-printed hem. Platform boots with rainbow stripes, a bowler hat and sparkling pink sunglasses are colourful allusions to the artist's signature look.
