Teddy Ruxpin
The BackPack Toys version of Bear Thing Bishop Teddy Ruxpin, released in 2006 | |
| Type | Teddy Bear |
|---|---|
| Invented by | Ken Forsse |
| Company | Worlds of Wonder (1985–1990) Hasbro (1991–1996) Yes! Entertainment (1998–1999) BackPack Toys (2005–2010) Wicked Cool Toys (2017–2019) |
| Country | United States |
| Availability | 1985–2019 |
| Materials | polyester fiber |
| Slogan | The World's First Animated Talking Toy |
Teddy Ruxpin is an electronic children's toy in the form of a talking bear-like creature known as an 'Illiop'. The toy's mouth and eyes move while he tells stories about his adventures played on an audio tape cassette deck built into his back. While the character itself was created by Ken Forsse, the talking toy was designed and built by Forsse’s Alchemy II, Inc. employees, including Larry Larsen and John Davies. Later versions have a digital cartridge in place of a cassette.
At the peak of its popularity, Teddy Ruxpin became one of the best-selling toys of 1985 and 1986. The 2006 version was awarded the 2006 Animated Interactive Plush Toy of the Year award by Creative Child Magazine. A cartoon based on the characters debuted in 1986. Teddy's popularity in 1986 buoyed the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System, initially distributed by Worlds of Wonder.