Another Celebrity Split

Once upon a time I was a real writer. This is hands-down my favorite piece. Slightly outdated, but still my fave.

Plastic couple endures breakup
By Natalie Williams NewsNet Staff Writer
20 Feb 2004

Nearly a week has passed since the breakup.

Is he still sitting at home bemoaning the loss of his girlfriend of 43 years? Is she drowning her post-breakup sorrows in a carton of Ben & Jerry's ice cream?

No one really knows -- because this couple is made of plastic.

Barbie and Ken, like so many other celebrity couples, have called it quits. And, like so many other celebrity splits, the breakup was very public and, from outward appearances, not very painful.

But then again, it's hard to grimace when your face is molded into a perpetually wide, toothy smile.

A Feb. 12 Mattel press release marked the end of Barbie and Ken's 43-year courtship. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time -- apart."

"Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end," Arons said.

Barbie, a household staple since 1959, met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961, and the rest is history.

Neither Barbie nor Ken nor their "business manager" have given clear-cut reasons for the breakup. Was it Ken's reluctance to get married? Perhaps Ken felt threatened by Barbie's extensive career goals (she did have over 90). Maybe Barbie was tired of toting Ken around like another one of her many accessories.

Whatever the reason may be, America's prettiest pair have gone their separate ways.

Barbie, the most popular fashion doll in the world, will celebrate her new single status with a makeover.

As early as spring, Barbie will boast her more carefree and independent look with board shorts, a bikini top, hoop earrings and an even deeper tan. Barbie is going back to her California roots -- she'll be marketed as "Cali Barbie."

Ken may have been her first true love, but will Barbie rebound?

Her new style has already caught the attention of Blaine, the Australian boogie boarder. Rumor has it sparks will begin to fly between the pair this fall.

How will Ken cope with the breakup?

He has a number of Barbie's friends to choose from: Theresa, DeeDee or even Barbie's kid-sister Skipper.

"I think Ken will get with Skipper to get back at Barbie," said Alicia Sleight, 21, from Richland, Wash. "Or her mom, in true soap opera style."

Whatever happens between the two, 12-inch plastic dolls around the world hope the newly split couple won't have any awkward run-in moments former couples typically have. Ken, single and alone, won't have to see Barbie and her new beau at the Sweet Sound Pet Shop, and Barbie won't be mortified if she sees Ken cruising around in her best friend Theresa's VW Beetle Convertible.

Only time will tell how the awkward situation will pan out.

For now, however, the duo will remain "the best of friends," Arons said.

What happens to the Dream House, the red convertible Porsche, the Palomino horse and the Fabulous Fountain pool?

Barbie and Ken were unavailable for comments.