'Star Wars' figures, dominoes in Toy Hall of Fame class of 2012
BY Associated Press
Sunday, November 18, 2012
11/18/12 at 4:46 AM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia outmuscled little green army men for a spot in the National Toy Hall of Fame. "Star Wars" action figures join centuries-old dominoes in the class of 2012, which was announced by the Rochester hall recently.
A national selection committee chose them from among 12 finalists, plucking the most ancient and most modern toys from the list. "Star Wars" action figures went on the market in 1978, following the 1977 release of the 20th Century Fox movie. The 3 3/4-inch figures of Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and company were sold until 1985 and again from the mid-1990s to today.
Museum officials say their phenomenal popularity inspired other toy makers to tie their products to movies and television series and they note the toys' appeal extends to adults who continue to collect them.
"They are a force to be reckoned with," said Patricia Hogan, curator at The Strong museum, which houses the Toy Hall of Fame.
The toys beat out plastic green army men, the board game Clue, the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Lite-Brite, the Magic 8 Ball, the pogo stick, sidewalk chalk, the electronic game Simon, the tea set and Twister.
Original Print Headline: 'Star Wars' figures, dominoes in Toy Hall of Fame
Associated Images:
"Star Wars" action figures Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (left), Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader are now in the National Toy Hall of Fame VICTORIA AROCHO/Associated Press file
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