Ken the doll, however, had a high school experience that could rival a John Hughes movie. Indeed, exactly two years and two days younger than his girlfriend, Ken would eventually meet Barbie at a dance.
"Barbie, the famous teenage fashion model doll by Mattel, felt that this was to be a special night," the 1961 commercial introducing Ken explained. "And then, it happened. She met Ken and somehow, she knew that she and Ken would be going together."
"Now, Ken and Barbie meet for lunch at school, go to fraternity parties and just relax together. Think of the fun you'll have taking Barbie and Ken on dates, dressing each one just right," the commercial's narrator continued. "Get both Barbie and Ken and see where the romance will lead."
Ken and Barbie may be the most picturesque couple, but that doesn't mean the whole relationship was perfect. In fact, Mattel revealed in 2004 that after four decades, the couple had broken up and needed "to spend some quality time—apart."
But there is no Ken without Barbie, and in 2011, Mattel had billboards of Ken proclaiming his love for Barbie ahead of Valentine's Day.
"As the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion, Ken knew just what to do to win Barbie back," Mattel's senior vice president of global marketing for girls brands Stephanie Cota shared in a press release at the time. "The iconic couple is truly made for each other and this is just the beginning of their next chapter together."
As for how Ken plans to celebrate his 65th birthday in his next chapter? He's bringing the Kenergy to Expedia as the travel company's newest brand ambassador for 65 adventures around the world.
"For decades," a Jan. 26 press release noted, "Ken has been synonymous with the laid-back charm of Malibu life while touting an impressive range of passions as an airline captain, doctor, sailor, skater, cowboy, lifeguard, rock star, and many more."
"As a symbol of creativity and self-expression, he's now expanding his cultural influence as a tastemaker and highly sought-after talent," the release continued, "embracing a new era that expands beyond the toy aisle and is filled with collaborative opportunities and exciting adventures."
As Ken packs his bags, keep reading for more surprising facts about everyone's favorite characters.
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