Greg Hyman, Co-Creator of Tickle Me Elmo, Dies at 78
The New York Times • • technology
Key Points:
- Greg Hyman, an electronics expert and toy inventor known for creating Tickle Me Elmo, passed away on May 1 at age 78 in Boca Raton, Florida.
- Hyman was recognized for his innovative electronic toys, including a talking robot named Alphie and a talking Barney doll from the children's TV show "Barney and Friends."
- After the death of his longtime business partner Larry Greenberg, Hyman collaborated with inventor Ron Dubren to develop a giggling toy, initially creating Tickles the Chimp.
- Tickle Me Elmo, released in 1996, became a massive commercial success and a symbol of runaway toy popularity during that period.
- The cause of Hyman's death was not disclosed by his partner, Deborah Nelson.