Barbie honours Actresses and best friends Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple with one-of-a-kind dolls made in their likenesses in time for International Women’s Day

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announces the first ever UK duo of ‘Barbie Role Models’ Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple. Barbie is celebrating International Women’s Day by honouring powerful friendship duos whose strong bonds inspire and empower each other’s success, with one-of-a-kind Barbie Role Model dolls made in their likeness.

Hannah Waddingham and Juno first met on the award-winning hit show Ted Lasso, and their enduring friendship both on and off screen is beloved by fans. Talking about their dolls and what this means for International Women's day, both actresses had much to say.

Hannah Waddingham, says “Being named a ‘Barbie Role Model’ is an incredible, unexpected honour. My ever present inner 8 year old self really can’t quite believe it! But then to share this special moment with one of the most loving, supportive, endlessly championing women I have ever met is totally perfect. Our friendship has been unswerving, real and totally right since the second we laid eyes on each other and continues to be the most wonderful gift on set, in this industry and most importantly, in real life. I hope our dolls will be a symbol that encourages and celebrates all kinds of female friendship through the glamorous shared moments yes, but most importantly through all the normal days when you need love, strength and support the most.”

Juno Temple, added “It’s honestly impossible for me to put into words just how much this means. Being named a Barbie Role Model is… it’s so incredibly special. Through my career, I’ve been lucky enough to help tell the stories of so many amazing women, and now to have my own story – and my friendship with Hannah – acknowledged like this… It’s truly an honor and an iconic moment that I will forever hold precious in my heart. I know I’m going to be proud of our dolls forever.”

The Hannah doll wears a look inspired by Hannah’s red carpet look at the 2024 SAG Awards, where Hannah wore a shimmery red Tony Ward couture gown, and a cardboard clutch with artwork hand-drawn by her daughter. The Juno doll wears an homage to her 2024 Emmy’s Awards look - a vintage Roberto Cavalli orange dress, with a tiger shaped clutch inspired by her character in Fargo.

Other legendary female friendships honoured by Barbie this year include, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey (U.S.): Olympic gold medalists on the U.S. Gymnastics team, supporting each other on and off the mat. Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty, AO (Australia): Former tennis world number ones and grand slam champions, who share a bond, representing First Nations Australians in the sport. Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira (Brazil): Paola and Kelen formed a meaningful partnership when Paola portrayed a character inspired by Kelen’s life-changing accident in a series. They support each other through their shared advocacy for body positivity and accessibility.

Since 1959, the Barbie brand purpose has been to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. Barbie has inspired generations of leaders across fields to imagine their own stories and write empowering narratives that help shape their future. From becoming an astronaut, an athlete, a fashion designer or exploring a career in STEM, Barbie aims to give everyone the opportunity to dream – and dream big.