Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Hula Hoop Pioneer Joan Anderson Dies at 101
Joan Anderson, the woman who named the hula hoop, recently passed away.
In the 1950s, she saw kids in Australia playing with toy hoops.
She brought the idea to America, where she and her husband played with one.
At a party, a friend suggested the name 'hula hoop'.
They introduced the toy to a company, which made it a huge hit.
Unfortunately, they didn't get much credit or money.
However, Anderson didn't let this setback define her.
She and her husband moved on, starting their own successful business, and her story of resilience was later told in a documentary.
Joan Anderson, who named the hula hoop, died at age 101.
Anderson and her husband introduced the toy to Wham-O co-founder Arthur Melin.
Wham-O turned the hula hoop into a global success, selling millions.
The Andersons sued Wham-O, settling for less than $6,000.
Anderson's story was highlighted in the 2018 documentary 'Hula Girl'.
- Who
- Joan Anderson.
- What
- Joan Anderson, who gave the world the name 'hula hoop', passed away.
- When
- Anderson died on July 14, 2025.
- Where
- Carlsbad, California.
- Why
- Anderson's story highlights her contribution to the toy's origin and her resilience.
Joan and Wayne Anderson
Wham-O
Financial Disparity
Joan and Wayne Anderson
Did not receive sufficient compensation for their idea.
Wham-O
Wham-O profited greatly from the hula hoop's success.
- Full Name
- Joan Constance Manning Anderson
- Date of Birth
- December 28, 1923
- Place of Birth
- Sydney, Australia
- Date of Death
- July 14, 2025
- Residence
- Carlsbad, California
- Known For
- Giving the Hula Hoop its name