The world has lost a pivotal yet often unrecognized figure in the history of popular culture. Joan Anderson, the Australian woman who played a crucial role in transforming the hula hoop into an international phenomenon, passed away at the age of 101. Born in Sydney in December 1923, Anderson’s journey from Australia to Hollywood saw her inadvertently spark a global craze.
In 1946, Anderson moved to Hollywood, California, but it was a visit back to Australia 11 years later that set the stage for her uncredited contribution to the hula hoop’s rise. During this trip, Anderson noticed a peculiar trend that captured her attention. “Everywhere I would go, everybody was giggling and carrying on,” she recounted. “They said, ‘Oh, everyone is doing the hoop, they just love it.'” This simple bamboo ring, which reminded her of Hawaiian hula dancing, would soon become a household name.
The Birth of a Cultural Icon
Upon returning to the United States, Anderson shared her discovery with her husband, Wayne Anderson. A friend observed that using the hoop resembled “doing the hula,” thus cementing its name. The couple introduced the concept to Arthur ‘Spud’ Melin, a toy businessman, in what Anderson described as a meeting outside his office, sealed with a “gentleman’s handshake.”
However, the couple’s role in the hula hoop’s success was overshadowed. Melin, co-founder of Wham-O, patented the hula hoop in 1958 and launched it to massive success, selling millions within the first few months. “They just ignored us and totally cut us off,” Anderson reflected. Despite their pivotal role, the Andersons were never credited for the invention.
The Legal Battle and Aftermath
In 1961, the Andersons settled a lawsuit with Wham-O, but the legal fees left them with less than $6,000. “The world isn’t fair but life goes on. You win some, you lose some,” Anderson remarked, accepting the outcome with grace.
Anderson’s story was later captured in the short documentary “Hula Girl,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018, bringing her story to a broader audience and acknowledging her contribution to a global cultural phenomenon.
Beyond the Hoop: A Life in Full
Joan Anderson’s life was rich and varied beyond her association with the hula hoop. After moving to America, she became a model with the Blue Book Agency, where she crossed paths with a young Marilyn Monroe. “This is where I met Marilyn Monroe, who then was Norma Dougherty,” Anderson wrote. “We went on a few modelling jobs together.”
Her personal life was equally fulfilling. She met her husband, an American P38 pilot, on Bondi Beach in 1946. They married and moved to Carlsbad, California, where they raised four children. “My husband passed away in 2007 after 62 years of marriage,” Anderson shared. “He was the love of my life and my soul mate.”
A Legacy Remembered
Joan Anderson’s family announced her peaceful passing on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. “She had a wonderful life and died peacefully with her family around her. She will be greatly missed,” her family stated.
While her role in the hula hoop’s history may have been overlooked during her lifetime, Joan Anderson’s story serves as a reminder of the often unsung contributions that shape our cultural landscape. Her life and legacy continue to inspire, highlighting the impact one individual can have on the world.
