He-MancreatorRoger Sweetpassed away at91, just weeks before a major new chapter of his most iconic creation arrives on the big screen. The toy designer behind one of the most recognizableaction figuresin pop culture history left behind a legacy that continues to shape the franchise decades later.
He-Man creator Roger Sweet dies at 91
Roger Sweet, the toy designer who created the He-Man character, died on Tuesday at age 91. He passed away peacefully at his care facility after battling dementia for months. His wife, Marlene, confirmed his death to TMZ.
Sweet served as the lead designer for Mattel’s Preliminary Design Department throughout the 1970s and 1980s. During that time, Mattel CEO Ray Wagner turned down a deal to produce Star Wars toys in 1976. That lucrative opportunity ultimately went to Cincinnati-based toy maker Kenner Products after A New Hope hit theaters in 1977.
As a result, Mattel struggled to launch a popular action figure based on original intellectual property. To solve this, Sweet experimented by gluing a Big Jim action figure into a fighting stance. He then added clay to its body for bulk, creating the prototype for He-Man. Sweet successfully pitched the concept to Wagner, and He-Man officially hit markets in 1982.
Shortly after, Mattel and Filmation launched the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon in 1983. The show followed young Prince Adam on the magical planet of Eternia. Specifically, Adam wielded the Sword of Power and uttered the iconic line to transform into He-Man.
Marlene recently revealed his devastating health decline after a frightening fall while walking alone. Doctors discovered two brain bleeds, and he spent time in the ICU. His memory care facility cost more than $10,000 monthly. A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $94,000, surpassing its original $50,000 goal. The Mattel Foundation contributed $5,000 to the fundraiser.
His death comes as Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel prepare a live-action Masters of the Universe film. The movie stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man and hits theaters on June 5. Marlene says she has reached out to the producers hoping they dedicate the film to Roger.
