Joan Anderson, who popularized the hula hoop and played a vital role in its history, passed away in July. Despite her contributions, she remained largely unrecognized until recently.**
Celebrating the Life of Joan Anderson, The Unsung Hero of the Hula Hoop**
Celebrating the Life of Joan Anderson, The Unsung Hero of the Hula Hoop**
Joan Anderson, the woman behind the name 'hula hoop,' has passed away at the age of 101, leaving an impactful legacy.**
Joan Anderson, the originator of the iconic name 'hula hoop,' has died at the remarkable age of 101. Renowned for her role in igniting the popularity of this playful toy, Anderson's journey began in her native Australia, where she observed groups of individuals twirling wooden hoops around their waistlines. Captivated by this emerging trend, she shipped an early model of the hoop to her residence in the United States.
Her story garnered attention through the 2018 documentary "Hula Girl," which highlighted her and her husband’s pivotal introduction of the hula hoop to a key figure in the toy industry. Despite its eventual success, with millions sold globally, the couple remained unacknowledged for their innovation. Anderson recounted her experience pitching the idea to the CEO of the American toy company Wham-O, asserting, "We told him, 'we've called it the hula hoop... if it makes money for us, it's going to make money for you'."
While they reached an agreement that began the hoop's massive sales in the U.S, Anderson later expressed disappointment over the lack of credit they received, stating that subsequent narratives mischaracterized her involvement. She lamented that the history inaccurately referred to her simply as an “Australian friend” instead of recognizing her as the innovator.
Born Joan Constance Manning in Sydney on December 28, 1923, Anderson had a successful career as a swimsuit model. Her life took a new path when she met U.S. Army pilot Wayne Anderson on Bondi Beach, leading to their swift marriage. A documentary filmmaker who worked with her noted the fulfillment of finally giving her the recognition she had long deserved.
Anderson passed away on July 14 at a nursing home in Carlsbad, California, with family members highlighting the extraordinary life she led. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity and innovation, along with two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren. Although she faced challenges regarding her acknowledgment in the hula hoop's history, her story stands testament to her significant impact on pop culture.
Her story garnered attention through the 2018 documentary "Hula Girl," which highlighted her and her husband’s pivotal introduction of the hula hoop to a key figure in the toy industry. Despite its eventual success, with millions sold globally, the couple remained unacknowledged for their innovation. Anderson recounted her experience pitching the idea to the CEO of the American toy company Wham-O, asserting, "We told him, 'we've called it the hula hoop... if it makes money for us, it's going to make money for you'."
While they reached an agreement that began the hoop's massive sales in the U.S, Anderson later expressed disappointment over the lack of credit they received, stating that subsequent narratives mischaracterized her involvement. She lamented that the history inaccurately referred to her simply as an “Australian friend” instead of recognizing her as the innovator.
Born Joan Constance Manning in Sydney on December 28, 1923, Anderson had a successful career as a swimsuit model. Her life took a new path when she met U.S. Army pilot Wayne Anderson on Bondi Beach, leading to their swift marriage. A documentary filmmaker who worked with her noted the fulfillment of finally giving her the recognition she had long deserved.
Anderson passed away on July 14 at a nursing home in Carlsbad, California, with family members highlighting the extraordinary life she led. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity and innovation, along with two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren. Although she faced challenges regarding her acknowledgment in the hula hoop's history, her story stands testament to her significant impact on pop culture.
