Joan Anderson, the Unsung Inventor of the Hula Hoop, Passes at 101

Joan Anderson, a former model and filmmaker's muse, played a critical, yet unrecognized role in the rise of the hula hoop, passing away at the age of 101.

Joan Anderson, an integral figure in the hula hoop phenomenon, has died at the age of 101. Known for coining the beloved term, she discovered the wooden hoops during a visit to her native Australia, ultimately shipping one back to the US to share the fad. In 2018, her life was chronicled in the documentary "Hula Girl," which recounted her and her husband’s pivotal contributions to the hula hoop's success, including a memorable meeting with executives from the American toy company Wham-O.

Anderson described how she and her husband presented the toy to Wham-O's boss, sparking its meteoric rise in popularity. Unfortunately, despite their contributions, the couple did not receive the credit they deserved, ultimately leading them to file a lawsuit against the company for recognition and compensation. While they obtained a modest settlement, the lack of acknowledgment remained a bitter point for Anderson, who expressed disappointment at being dubbed merely an "Australian friend" in later versions of the story.

Born Joan Constance Manning in Sydney on December 28, 1923, Anderson started her career as a swimsuit model before her encounter with US Army pilot Wayne Anderson led her to marry and move to the United States. Her journey in the toy industry shaped her narrative, where she finally received the credit she sought, albeit late in life.

Following her passing on July 14 in Carlsbad, California, her family celebrated a life filled with remarkable experiences. She is survived by two sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, and one son who sadly passed away earlier this year. The filmmaker who brought her story to light expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her legacy.