Not currently on display at the V&A

Michael Jackson Superstar of the 80's

Character Doll
1984 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This Michael Jackson poseable doll was manufactured as part of a series celebrating Jackson's huge success in the pop charts in the early 1980s. It was made by LJN toys, a company set up to exploit merchandising opportunities among television, film and pop stars. In 1984, Michael Jackson's album Thriller had become the best selling album in the world, going on to sell over 110 million copies to date. Michael Jackson-related merchandise sold through the roof, and all sorts of products bearing his image were created, including this series of dolls.

This particular doll features Jackson's costume from the American Music Awards of 1984; a red military style jacket with gold braiding, gold sash and red seam on his black trousers. He also comes with a glitter glove and socks, and his own plastic display stand. Other costumes were manufactured and could be bought separately for the series including costumes from the Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jean videos, and the 1984 Grammies and Motown 25 event.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Toys (Recreational Artifacts)
  • Boxes (Containers)
  • Toys (Recreational Artifacts)
  • Boxes (Containers)
  • Dolls
  • Toys (Recreational Artifacts)
TitleMichael Jackson Superstar of the 80's (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Moulded plastic, printed card and acrylic.
Brief description
Michael Jackson poseable doll in costume (American Music Awards outfit).
Physical description
Plastic doll in red and gold braided jacket, black trousers with red piping, and one silver glove, holding microphone, with box and posing stand.
Dimensions
  • Doll height: 30cm (Note: See detailed aspects for further measurements.)
Subject depicted
Summary
This Michael Jackson poseable doll was manufactured as part of a series celebrating Jackson's huge success in the pop charts in the early 1980s. It was made by LJN toys, a company set up to exploit merchandising opportunities among television, film and pop stars. In 1984, Michael Jackson's album Thriller had become the best selling album in the world, going on to sell over 110 million copies to date. Michael Jackson-related merchandise sold through the roof, and all sorts of products bearing his image were created, including this series of dolls.

This particular doll features Jackson's costume from the American Music Awards of 1984; a red military style jacket with gold braiding, gold sash and red seam on his black trousers. He also comes with a glitter glove and socks, and his own plastic display stand. Other costumes were manufactured and could be bought separately for the series including costumes from the Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jean videos, and the 1984 Grammies and Motown 25 event.
Collection
Accession number
S.974:1 to 3-2010

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Record createdAugust 24, 2010
Record URL
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