Donald Levine, 'the father of G.I. Joe,' has died
AP Photo/Mike Groll
Former Hasbro executive Donald Levine, who was credited with developing the world’s first G.I. Joe action figure, died on Thursday from cancer, his wife Nan told The Associated Press today. He was 86 years old.
As head of research and development at the company, Levine moved the toy through production, working with his team to create the iconic action figure. An Army veteran who served in Korea, Levine led a team that included many other former military men; that led to the toy’s being outfitted in Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force garb. When G.I. Joe arrived on shelves in 1964, it sold for $4 and was hugely popular until opposition to the Vietnam War prompted parents to select less military-influenced toys for their children.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What is at stake for Starmer in ChinaToday’s Big Question The British PM will have to ‘play it tough’ to achieve ‘substantive’ outcomes, while China looks to draw Britain away from US influence
-
How the ‘British FBI’ will workThe Explainer New National Police Service to focus on fighting terrorism, fraud and organised crime, freeing up local forces to tackle everyday offences
-
The best family hotels in EuropeThe Week Recommends Top kid-friendly hotels with clubs, crèches and fun activities for children of all ages – and some downtime for the grown-ups
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
