Teddy Ruxpin

This article is about the toy. For the television series, see The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin.
Teddy Ruxpin
The BackPack Toys version of Teddy Ruxpin, released in 2006
TypeTeddy Bear
Inventor(s)Ken Forsse[1]
CompanyWorlds of Wonder (1985–1990)[2]
Hasbro (1991–1996)
Yes! Entertainment (1998–1999)
BackPack Toys (2005–2010)
Wicked Cool Toys (2017–2019)[3]
CountryUnited States
Availability1985–2019
Materialspolyester fiber
SloganThe World's First Animated Talking Toy

Teddy Ruxpin is an electronic children's toy in the form of a talking bear-like creature known as an 'Illiop'. The toy's mouth and eyes move while he tells stories about his adventures played on an audio tape cassette deck built into his back. While the character itself was created by Ken Forsse, the talking toy was designed and built by Forsse’s Alchemy II, Inc. employees, including Larry Larsen and John Davies.[4] Later versions have a digital cartridge in place of a cassette.[5]

At the peak of its popularity, Teddy Ruxpin became one of the best-selling toys of 1985 and 1986. The 2006 version was awarded the 2006 Animated Interactive Plush Toy of the Year award by Creative Child Magazine.[6] A cartoon based on the characters debuted in 1986.[7] Teddy's extreme popularity in 1986 buoyed the controversial launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System, also distributed by Worlds of Wonder.

  1. ^ Bates, James (1988-01-19). "Problems of Toy's Producer Leave Its Creator in a Bind". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  2. ^ "Ez Fix". Archived from the original on 2016-11-05. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  3. ^ "The Talking Toy". Retrieved 2022-11-29.
  4. ^ Cuff, Daniel F. (1988-04-04). "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Worlds of Wonder Loses Its Chairman". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  5. ^ "Teddy Ruxpin goes digital". CNN Money. 2005-06-15.
  6. ^ "Teddy Ruxpin Earns Top Spot in 2006 Toy Awards". DesignTAXI. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  7. ^ "The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin (1987–1988)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2013-09-08.