Rainbow Brite Creator G.G. Santiago Dies at 82

The artist who brought the beloved character to life is remembered by her close friend and fellow creator Muriel Fahrion.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Guntra Graudins (G.G.) Santiago, the creator of the iconic Rainbow Brite character, has passed away at the age of 82. Her close friend and fellow artist Muriel Fahrion shared a heartfelt obituary celebrating Santiago's life and legacy, recounting their time working together at American Greetings and Hallmark, where Santiago first launched the Rainbow Brite franchise in 1984.

Why it matters

G.G. Santiago's creation of Rainbow Brite left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring generations of children and fans. Her story is also one of resilience, as she overcame the trauma of war in her native Latvia to pursue her artistic passions and build a successful career in the United States.

The details

Santiago was working at Hallmark Cards when she developed the Rainbow Brite character in 1984, which quickly grew into an animated TV series and doll line. Her close friend Muriel Fahrion, the creator of Strawberry Shortcake, remembered Santiago as a talented artist who could "draw, paint, and sculpt" with natural ability. The two women were neighbors and close collaborators in the greeting card industry.

  • G.G. Santiago created the Rainbow Brite character in 1984 while working at Hallmark Cards.
  • Santiago passed away on February 27, 2026 at the age of 82.

The players

G.G. Santiago

The creator of the iconic Rainbow Brite character, who overcame a traumatic childhood during World War II to pursue a successful career as an artist and designer.

Muriel Fahrion

A close friend of G.G. Santiago's and the creator of the Strawberry Shortcake franchise, who wrote a heartfelt obituary celebrating Santiago's life and legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Gigi, the legendary creator of RAINBOW BRITE and my dear friend has passed away. Gigi Santiago, famous for having created Rainbow Brite, was a special friend of mine. We grew up at American Greetings, creating art.”

— Muriel Fahrion, Strawberry Shortcake Creator

“Her talent was natural and long-lasting. She could draw. She could paint. She could sculpt. We loved each other. I have so many marvelous stories of her, but I won't have time to even tell you this obituary.”

— Muriel Fahrion, Strawberry Shortcake Creator

The takeaway

G.G. Santiago's creation of the beloved Rainbow Brite character not only left a lasting impact on popular culture, but also represented her own personal journey of resilience and artistic expression after overcoming the trauma of war in her youth. Her story serves as an inspiration for how creativity can be a powerful force for healing and rebuilding one's life.