He-Man creator Roger Sweet passes away at 91
Los Angeles, April 29
Creator of the popular He-Man action figure, Roger Sweet, has passed away. He was 91.
Roger Sweet died on Tuesday after a battle with dementia, Variety reported, citing information from TMZ.
Sweet was the lead designer for Mattel's Preliminary Design Department in the '70s and '80s. In 1976, Mattel turned down a deal to produce toys for "Star Wars," an offer that proved extremely lucrative for Cincinnati-based toy maker Kenner Products after "A New Hope" was released in 1977.
After the fact, Mattel struggled to launch a popular action figure based on original IP. Enter Sweet, who, in pursuit of a fresh idea, experimented by glueing a Big Jim action figure into a fighting stance and adding clay to its body for bulk. This became the prototype for He-Man, which he successfully pitched to then CEO Ray Wagner. He-Man officially hit the market in 1982.
A year later, in 1983, Mattel and Filmation launched the "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" cartoon as a companion project to the highly popular He-Man toyline. The show took place on the magical planet of Eternia and followed the young Prince Adam. When wielding the Sword of Power, Adam would utter the now-iconic line, "By the Power of Grayskull! I have the power," which would turn him into He-Man, the galaxy's most fearsome warrior. The show ran for 130 episodes from 1983 to 1985.
Amazon and MGM, in collaboration with Mattel, are set to reboot the iconic He-Man franchise with the upcoming live-action film Masters of the Universe, slated for theatrical release on June 5. Nicholas Galitzine leads the cast as He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, as per Variety.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's amazing how a single action figure can launch a whole universe. He-Man taught me about courage and standing up for what's right. My nephews now watch the reboot on Netflix, and I was shocked to learn the original creator was 91! Roger Sweet's legacy is immortal. Respect for what he built with just clay and a Big Jim doll 😄
As a toy collector from Bangalore, I have a vintage He-Man in my collection. It's wild to think Mattel passed on Star Wars toys and then created something so iconic from scratch. Roger Sweet's story is a masterclass in innovation under pressure. Condolences to his family, but his work will never be forgotten. The upcoming live-action film better do justice! 🦸♂️
I'm American but living in Delhi. He-Man was my Saturday morning staple too. Roger Sweet's creativity was so ahead of its time. It's bittersweet to see him go just as a new generation is about to discover He-Man on the big screen. Hope the new movie captures his spirit!
Honestly, I never knew the backstory of He-Man's creation. Using Big Jim and clay? That's pure Indian jugaad energy! 😂 We should celebrate folks like this who turn simple ideas into global phenomena. The cartoon was a lifeline for 90s kids in India. Rest in power, Roger Sweet. "I have the power" will echo forever.
Sad news. I remember my older brother's He-Man toys from
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