In the 1980s, Strawberry Shortcake was a household name. In addition to being a successful greeting card character, Strawberry became a pop culture icon, appearing in her own line of collectible dolls, posters, and even a television show and film.
For her 40th birthday, she has been restored to her former glory after a few makeovers over the years. She is a collector’s favourite. Five Little Diamonds has done a great job with this brief history.
Strawberry Shortcake has been a household name for many generations, capturing hearts with its delightful characters and vivid colors. Whether you are nostalgic about the original or a fan of the reboot, there’s no denying that Strawberry Shortcake has a unique appeal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history, characters, and some fun facts about this timeless franchise.
Strawberry Shortcake: An Overview
Throughout the series, the focus is always on the title character, Strawberry Shortcake. While she lived in a strawberry shortcake in the 1980s, she now resides in a strawberry shortcake from the 2003 iteration of the series.
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Custard, Apple Dumplin’s cat, and Pupcake the dog are all residents of her berry bungalow. In the 2003 series, she had a filly named Honey Pie Pony.
Strawberry was six years old in the 1980s. Either she’s just out of high school or she’s already a successful entrepreneur. In the 2003 version, Strawberry can drive a car and in the 2009 version, she owns the Berry Café.
Strawberry Shortcake History
Barbie Sargent, then a contracted Freelance artist for American Greetings, was the original creator and designer of Strawberry Shortcake. As you might expect, she was first known as “Girl with a Daisy” because of her 1973 greeting card appearance where she was shown holding… a daisy.
Barbi Sargent was tasked in July 1977 with creating four full-color “leader cards” featuring the “Strawberry Shortcake” character in order to gauge public interest in fresh designs. Muriel Fahrion, then working as a greeting card illustrator for American Greetings, created the first artwork for Strawberry Shortcake and her cat, Custard, in 1978.
American Greetings Corporation handed Barbi Sargent the copyrights to Strawberry Shortcake in May 1983, making her one of the most popular characters of all time. It was Lynn Edwards’ job as the line’s editor to create the character profiles and to craft the plot and philosophy.
Muriel Fahrion designed the first doll, which her sister Susan Trentel made from rags. The first Strawberry Shortcake doll was released by Kenner Products in 1979. The strawberry design on her bonnet and freckles on her face made her look like a typical rag doll.
It was Janet Jones and Cindy Mayer Patton who came up with other characters in the original Strawberry Shortcake line. Each member of the Strawberry Shortcake family had a fruit or dessert-themed name and outfit, as well as a pet with a similar moniker.
All of the other characters’ dolls had scented hair, just like the Strawberry Shortcake doll. Strawberryland was a magical paradise in which the characters lived and played. Teenage girls throughout the country fell in love with Strawberry Shortcake in the ’80s.
Back then, a slew of connected goods were available, including sticker books and clothes, as well as an arcade game, among others. By 1985, the characters’ popularity had declined, and only one annual TV special featured them between 1980 and 1985.
After that, there were no new dolls or toys from Kenner to be had. A new range of Strawberry Shortcake dolls was released by THQ in 1991 in an attempt to resurrect the franchise.
Each of Strawberry’s buddies received a complete makeover, including new clothing, hair, and eyes. The line, on the other hand, only lasted a year.
New Home Video Release for a Television Series
Another designer reimagined the franchise’s style for the second time in 2002. There was a new home video release for a television series. There were additional soundtracks made for each of the episodes.
Strawberry Shortcake dolls and toys are now manufactured by Bandai and KellyToy. New video games were released for the first time in nearly two decades. Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie aired in 2006 and was released on DVD in February of that year.
As soon as American Greetings revived the Strawberry Shortcake brand in the fall of 2009, Hasbro began producing new toys based on the character. Iconix Brand Group purchased American Greetings’ rights to Strawberry Shortcake in February 2015 for $105 million.
Announcing the acquisition of Iconix’s entertainment brands, including Strawberry Shortcake, in May of last year, DHX Media confirmed the acquisition. Retro dolls were made to honour her 40th anniversary and to be enjoyed by a whole new generation in 2019.
The Toy Company Behind Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake was originally created by American Greetings, a Cleveland-based greeting card company. It was developed in the late 1970s as a character for greeting cards, and soon after, the concept was expanded into a doll line manufactured by Kenner.
These scented dolls became incredibly popular, propelling Strawberry Shortcake into a well-recognized brand.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Made by Disney?
No, Strawberry Shortcake is not a Disney creation. While Disney has acquired numerous franchises, Strawberry Shortcake continues to be owned by American Greetings and Iconix Brand Group as of my last update in September 2021.
The Creation of the Strawberry Shortcake Cartoon
The first Strawberry Shortcake animated specials were released in the early 1980s. These television specials helped the franchise grow in popularity. Over the years, there have been multiple reboots, the most notable ones occurring in 2003 and 2009, updating the characters and settings for new generations.
Strawberry Shortcake’s Place of Origin
In the realm of the cartoon, Strawberry Shortcake is from a magical, dessert-themed world. She lives in a strawberry-shaped house in Strawberryland, a fantastical place where she and her friends embark on various adventures.
What is Strawberry Shortcake’s Cat’s Name?
Strawberry Shortcake’s adorable calico cat is named Custard. Custard has been a fixture in the series since its inception, providing companionship and occasionally getting involved in the adventures.
Why Was Strawberry Shortcake Invented?
Strawberry Shortcake was created as an attempt by American Greetings to diversify their product range and tap into the booming market for character merchandise.
The success of the character on greeting cards led to the expansion into dolls, which eventually turned into a multi-platform franchise including toys, television specials, and various other merchandise.
Is Strawberry Shortcake American or British?
Strawberry Shortcake is an American creation. Although the franchise has fans worldwide, its origins are firmly rooted in American pop culture.
Who is Strawberry Shortcake’s Best Friend?
Strawberry Shortcake’s best friend is Apple Dumplin’. Over the years, the character of Apple Dumplin’ has been reimagined several times but remains an integral part of Strawberry Shortcake’s circle.
How Many Characters Are in Strawberry Shortcake?
The world of Strawberry Shortcake is expansive with a diverse cast. Including the original characters and those introduced in subsequent reboots, there are over 30 characters in Strawberryland. Each has their own unique personality and role in the community.
Is Strawberry Shortcake a Girl?
Yes, Strawberry Shortcake is a girl. The character is often seen as a symbol of kindness, resourcefulness, and friendship, traits that have made her beloved by fans of all genders and ages.
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Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake is a nostalgic yet ever-evolving brand that has captured the imaginations of multiple generations. Its distinct characters, led by the ever-optimistic Strawberry Shortcake, offer timeless messages of friendship and kindness.
Whether you are rediscovering the franchise or introducing it to a new generation, Strawberry Shortcake continues to be a delightful experience for all.
