A significant Australian figure, who ignited the worldwide hula hoop frenzy decades ago yet remained underrecognized, has passed away at the age of 101 in California.
In the 1950s, Joan Anderson, a model who had previously collaborated with Marilyn Monroe, encountered bamboo rings being utilized for physical training in Australia. She played a significant role in bringing this toy to the United States, which eventually gained widespread popularity worldwide.
The family released a statement confirming that she passed away. They shared that she lived an extraordinary life and departed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Her absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt.
In 1957, when she returned to Australia, the international career of the model from Sydney took off, as she played an essential part in introducing the toy to a global market.
In that location, she uncovered a novel feeling gaining popularity nationwide – bamboo exercise hoops, humorously nicknamed ‘the hoop’ by the locals.
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Intrigued, she transported one to the United States, a country she now resided in with her spouse. It didn’t take long for it to gain popularity.
In her interview, she remembered that no matter where she went, people were laughing and being boisterous, so she asked them what the commotion was about.
‘They said, “Oh, everyone is doing the hoop, they just love it”.’
Enthralled by its possibilities, Anderson revealed her finding to her spouse, Wayne, who subsequently presented it to Arthur Melin, a prominent figure in the toy industry.
Together, they named it the ‘hula hoop’ and a worldwide craze was born.
Although they played a crucial role, Anderson and her husband went unacknowledged when Melin was granted the patent for the toy in 1958, as it was done under his company, Wham-O.
This overlooked situation made Anderson feel like he had been treated unfairly. Looking back on his life, he realized they simply chose to disregard us and completely sever ties with us.
Undeterred by the setback, Anderson’s life continued to be marked by remarkable experiences.
In both Australia and America, she showcased her modeling career, encountering Marilyn Monroe during her initial phase.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Anderson.
‘Let’s pause for a while to acknowledge an exceptional tale of innovation and commitment. Let’s honor Joan’s legacy and her significant impact on pop culture, as we mourn her passing.’
‘Vale Joan. I loved Hula Hoops growing up,’ a second added.
Her story was chronicled in the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival award-winning documentary Hula Girl.
The highly praised movie highlighted Anderson’s crucial part in making the Hula Hoop more popular, eventually granting her the acknowledgment she rightfully earned.
She is survived by her four children.
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2025-07-30 05:48