By way of The Hollywood Reporter comes word that Mr. Stanley Weston, the inventor of G.I.Joe, has passed away at the age of 84. Here’s a brief passage from the article –
Mr. Weston was born in Brooklyn in 1933 and served in the Army shortly after the Korean War ended. When he returned home to New York, he found a job with the advertising agency McCann Erickson and enrolled in night courses for an MBA at New York University, where he had studied as an undergraduate.Weston soon discovered a talent for the up-and-coming licensing and merchandising industry, and he struck out on his own to found Weston Merchandising.
When Mattel’s Barbie dolls were introduced in 1960, Weston realized boys were an untapped market for the doll industry after noting that many of them played with Ken dolls. He conceived of the idea of a military action figure and in 1963 sold what would become G.I. Joe to Hasbro. The runaway hit would go on to be one of the most enduring toy lines in history, spawning hit TV shows and films as well.
We here at HissTank.com offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Weston’s family and friends. We thank him for spawning the idea that has kept us kids at heart for the last 50+ years.
C.I.A.D. says
Mr. Stanley Weston, G.I. Joe Inventor, Dies at 84 - HissTank.com
On behalf of HissTank.com, I offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Weston's family and friends. We thank him for spawning the idea that has kept us kids at heart for the last 50+ years.
The original report can be found here:
Stanley Weston Dead: G.I. Joe Inventor Dies at 84 | Hollywood Reporter
Noga87 says
Prayers for him and his loved ones; the amount of joy you brought was FANTASTIC!
MagicWazard says
That's unfortunate to hear. He's certainly left a legacy, though.
46 Zone says
RIP Mr. Weston. Thank you for your contribution to society and to our childhoods.
Owner of a Lonely B.A.T. says
We all own this man a huge debt of gratitude...no matter what era of Joe you enjoy.
bassistcarlos says
Thank you Mr. Stanley Weston for influencing generations of young boys, who grew up, to serve or be appreciative of our public servants, in both the armed forces & civil service. We salute you sir, may God keep you & bless you & your family.
Now Hasbro, we need a new character, with a file name of Stanley Weston; from Brooklyn NY.
Trigue says
Rest in peace Mr Weston, thank you for a lifetime of fun and many great memories. God bless you.
EduardimusPrime says
Farewell to a real american hero that helped me and people like me to dream big.YO JOE!
Megastar says
My he rest in piece.
SharkyRivethead says
It is with great sorrow, that I find out another Legend of my time has passed away. It is with the most sincere condolences go out to the family of Stanly Weston for their loss. Many a great battles have raged in my bedroom as a child. Wars between my Star Wars figures and GI Joe thst would go on for weeks on end. (Or till mom told me to clean up) And even though blankets made into mountains and converted Styrofoam boxes have given way to shelving on a wall for displaying. 30+ years later, I continue to enjoy thst which Mr Weston brought into my life. So it's with a sad heart that I thank you Mr. Weston.
With a mighty YO JOE!!! and HAIL COBRA!!!! A solute to you, as you go off on your new adventure. God bless you.
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