George Lerner facts for kids

George Lerner (born 1922, died 1995) was an American inventor. He is best known for creating the fun toy, Mr. Potato Head!

The Inventor of Mr. Potato Head

George Lerner was born in Brooklyn, New York. He worked as an artist, a graphic designer, and even a model maker.

In 1949, George had a clever idea for a toy. He made plastic pieces like noses, ears, eyes, and mouths. These parts had push pins on them.

Kids could push these pieces into fruits or vegetables. Imagine turning a potato or an apple into a funny face!

At first, people were not sure about the toy. This was after World War II, and many did not like the idea of playing with food.

George Lerner then sold his idea for $5,000 to a cereal company. They planned to give the toy pieces away in cereal boxes.

But then, a toy company called Hassenfeld Brothers (now Hasbro) offered a better deal. George and Hasbro bought the rights back for $7,000. Hasbro then officially named the toy Mr. Potato Head.

Later, in 1964 and 1975, Mr. Potato Head got some updates. The toy received its own plastic head and became bigger. These changes were made to follow new safety rules.

George Lerner passed away in 1995.

About His Life

George Lerner was from a Jewish family. His family had roots in Romania.