Barbie fever is not over just yet — at least, not for actress Viola Davis. This week, Mattel announced the Academy Award-winning actress as its latest addition to the Barbie universe. In honor of both Women’s History Month and the 65th anniversary of Barbie, the brand debuted its annual collection of dolls honoring global storytellers using their platforms for good, with Davis representing the United States alongside fellow international entertainers Helen Mirren, Shania Twain and Kylie Minogue. Designed in these women’s likenesses, each of the collection’s one-of-a-kind dolls was meticulously crafted to embody each role model’s unique essence.
“Honestly, I wanted this Barbie to make little 6-year-old Viola squeal,” Davis said in a statement shared with theGrio. “It is my biggest gift to her…my lifelong mission and legacy to make her feel pretty, seen, and worthy. No words…just joy.”
In addition to contributing to the brand’s efforts to empower and inspire children, Davis is joining a growing list of Black women who’ve been honored with Barbies fashioned after them. Through the years, the doll manufacturer has made an effort to help users explore their limitless potential by exposing them to different roles and narratives mirroring the diversity of today’s world. While highlighting various disabilities and body types, Barbie has also spotlighted notable figures in Black culture, including Bessie Coleman, Tina Turner, Madam C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, Laverne Cox, Shonda Rhimes, Pat McGrath, and the instantly sold-out Ava DuVernay Barbie.
“For many years, we realized we had an opportunity not only to position Barbie as a role model but to use the brand to create likeness dolls of real women to give girls exposure to real people breaking through glass ceilings and achieving amazing things,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and chief brand officer for Mattel, explained.
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