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Lincoln Today
By the People, for the People
Tickle Me Elmo's Surprising Origin Story
The iconic '90s toy was actually inspired by a laughing chimp prototype.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:56am
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The unexpected origins of the beloved Tickle Me Elmo toy reveal the creative process behind iconic pop culture phenomena.Lincoln TodayThe creators of the iconic '90s toy Tickle Me Elmo, Greg Hyman and Ron Dubren, initially created a chimp that laughed as a prototype toy for Tyco. Tyco liked the idea, but didn't have the rights to make Elmo plush toys, so they pitched Tickle Me Taz instead. Six months later, Tyco renewed its contract with The Jim Henson Company and, wanting to secure the license to make plush toys, pitched Tickle Me Elmo, which the Henson Company loved.
Why it matters
The surprising origin story of Tickle Me Elmo provides a glimpse into the creative process and business decisions that can shape the development of iconic toys and pop culture phenomena.
The details
Greg Hyman and Ron Dubren, the creators of Tickle Me Elmo, initially developed a laughing chimp prototype for Tyco. Tyco liked the idea but didn't have the rights to make Elmo plush toys, so they pitched Tickle Me Taz instead. Six months later, Tyco renewed its contract with The Jim Henson Company and, wanting to secure the license to make plush toys, pitched Tickle Me Elmo, which the Henson Company approved.
- The creators initially developed a laughing chimp prototype for Tyco.
- Tyco pitched Tickle Me Taz six months later, as they didn't have the rights to make Elmo plush toys.
The players
Greg Hyman
One of the creators of the Tickle Me Elmo toy.
Ron Dubren
One of the creators of the Tickle Me Elmo toy.
Tyco
The toy company that initially worked with the Tickle Me Elmo creators.
The Jim Henson Company
The company that owned the rights to Elmo and eventually approved the Tickle Me Elmo toy.
The takeaway
The surprising origin story of Tickle Me Elmo highlights how iconic toys and pop culture phenomena can emerge from unexpected creative and business decisions.
