Barbie Honors Eight Female Icons for International Women’s Day

Mattel has announced Helen Mirren is being honored as a “Barbie Role Model” ahead of Barbie’s 65th anniversary on March 9 and International Women’s Day on March 8. 

The Academy Award-winning actress will receive a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll created in her likeness to recognize her decades-spanning acting career and versatility as a storyteller, breathing life into powerful and wide-ranging female stories for generations.  

“I am absolutely blown away by my Barbie,” says Mirren. “To be chosen by Barbie as a role model is a huge compliment and something I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams happening to me at this stage in my life. It’s a very special thing, and something I can add to my list of my favorite achievements: becoming a dame of the British Empire, having an Oscar, having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and having my own Barbie.” 

Mirren is one of eight global icons to have a doll made in their likeness, including producer, philanthropist and actress, Viola Davis; singer/songwriter, Shania Twain; singer, Kylie Minogue; content creator, Maria Gomez; director and producer, Lila Avilés; model, Nicole Fujita and comedian, Enissa Amani. 

“Barbie’s story has never been just about her,” says Krista Berger, senior vice president, Barbie and global head of dolls, Mattel. “It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way. For the past 65 years, Barbie has used her global platform to empower girls to dream big, explore their limitless potential and direct their own narrative to shape their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize over six decades of stories Barbie has helped write and the doll that continues to give everyone the opportunity to dream – and dream big.” 

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Barbie 65th Anniversary 

In addition, as part of the anniversary celebrations, a selection of products revisiting some of the most popular career dolls from Barbie’s resume and new celebratory and fashionista dolls inspired by classic Barbie looks throughout her history have been unveiled.  

Barbie-themed collaborations with more than 40 brand partners across fashion, food, location-based entertainment and publishing have also been announced. Collaborations include 1-800-Flowers.com, 24 ORE Cultura, A Leading Role, Aldo, Alex and Ani, CHI, Cheryl’s Cookies, Da Bomb, DefineMe Creative Studio, Dragon Glassware, Franco Mfg., Funko, Hallmark Cards, Homesick, Impala Skate, Impressions Vanity, Innovative Designs, Keds, Lionel Trains, Loungefly, Love Your Melon, MakeUp Eraser, Monogram International, Nettie, PersonalizationMall.com, Posh Peanut, Quarto, Random House, Roots, SmartSweets, Sprinkles, Ukonic and Unique Vintage. 

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Following Barbie’s birthday on March 9, the brand will continue celebrating throughout the year, including additional partnerships across the next 65 days and further activities through the fall. 

Intricacy and Detail  

The one-of-a-kind Helen Mirren Barbie doll recreates the blue fashion look Mirren wore on the 2023 Cannes red carpet, where she debuted blue hair while wearing a cornflower blue gown by Del Core and jewelry by Bulgari. The doll carries a blue fan – one of Mirren’s trademark red carpet accessories – and a miniature Oscar statue in recognition of Mirren’s 2007 Academy Awards Best Actress win. 

“The intricacy and detail of the doll is extraordinary; I love that the Barbie doll is wearing one of my favorite red carpet looks. It was the first time I’d ever had blue hair, and it felt so exciting,” continues Mirren. “I like to embrace theatrical fashion and the joy that having fun with fashion can bring, and I think that this joy should be ageless. And the cherry on top of the cake is my doll having a miniature Oscar. It is an absolutely perfect reproduction.” 

Mirren’s international career spans stage, screen and television, and she has won many awards for her performances, including the Academy Award in 2007 for her role in “The Queen.” The only performer to have achieved both the American and British Triple Crowns of Acting, Mirren’s career began with the National Youth Theatre playing Cleopatra and has since performed on London’s West End and Broadway. Her film and TV roles have included “The Queen,” “Elizabeth I,” “Gosford Park,” “Calendar Girls,” the “Fast & The Furious” franchise, “Hitchcock,” “Prime Suspect,” “Red,” “1923” and the narrator role in “Barbie” the movie. Mirren was appointed a dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. 

“As an actor, after decades of roles; the importance of storytelling to me means telling stories about the whole of humanity, not just stories of youth or one type of story,” Mirren concludes. “Stories of young people are wonderful because they’re just beginning life, they have energy, and I love the fact that young people are constantly challenging what has come before them. But you know there are stories to be told about the whole of humanity and all of our journeys, at all of our different ages in life.”