Joan Anderson, a remarkable woman who played an instrumental role in the popularization of the hula hoop, has died at the age of 101. Known for coining its iconic name, Anderson's story is one of creativity, ambition, and the quest for acknowledgment. She passed away on July 14 in a nursing home in Carlsbad, California, leaving behind a legacy her family cherishes.
Her journey began in her native Australia, where she became captivated by the growing phenomenon of people gyrating with wooden hoops. Eager to bring this new fascination to the United States, she had one of the hoops shipped stateside. In her earlier years, Anderson, born Joan Constance Manning on December 28, 1923, worked as a swimsuit model and later met her husband, Wayne Anderson, an Army pilot. Their idea eventually led her to American toy manufacturer Wham-O in the early 1960s, where she introduced the concept of the hula hoop, named after the Hawaiian dance.
In a 2018 documentary called Hula Girl, Anderson recounted her experience meeting the Wham-O CEO and how they sealed their agreement with a "gentleman’s handshake," believing they would gain fair recognition for their creation. However, as the hula hoop skyrocketed in popularity, Anderson found herself overlooked and uncredited, prompting her and her husband to file a lawsuit. While they received a modest financial settlement, true acknowledgment eluded them, which eternally troubled Anderson.
Over the years, Anderson's contributions were frequently mischaracterized, diminishing the vital role she played in the hula hoop's creation. Despite this, she maintained her spirit, and filmmaker Chris Riess, who later documented her story, emphasized the importance of recognizing her contributions. He stated that sharing Anderson's life story was transformative and fulfilling, especially as she finally received the deserved recognition for her extraordinary impact.
Joan Anderson is survived by her family, including two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren, as well as the memory of a life filled with adventure and creativity. Her passing marks the loss of an unsung hero whose creativity and charisma have left an indelible mark on a beloved toy that continues to captivate generations.
