Introduction
John W. Ryan (November 12, 1926 – August 13, 1991) was an American designer.Ryan worked at toy company Mattel for 20 years, becoming the company's vice president of research and development. There he was responsible for the Barbie doll, Hot Wheels, and Chatty Cathy. He was the sixth husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Career
Ryan graduated from Yale University, after which he worked at aerospace company Raytheon as an engineer, working on the AIM-7 Sparrow and MIM-23 Hawk missiles.
Mattel hired him for his "space-aged savvy" and knowledge of materials.
In 1956, Mattel co-owner Ruth Handler returned from a European vacation with a German-designed Bild Lilli doll. She and Ryan worked on producing a similar fashion doll for the American market (the two later disputed which of them was chiefly responsible for the doll's design).
Ryan worked on the V-rroom! X-15 velocipede which was named after the North American X-15 rocket-powered aircraft, and patented the V-RROOM! toy engines that simulated motorcycle engine sounds. He designed the mechanics of the Chatty Cathy dolls.
Ryan's relationship with Mattel soured, and in 1980 he sued Mattel for royalties; the company settled out of court.
Death
Ryan suffered a debilitating stroke in 1989; he died by gun suicide on August 13, 1991.