Burt Meyer, the creative mind behind some of the most beloved toys for children in the 20th century, including Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots, Lite-Brite, and MouseTrap, has passed away at 99 years old.
Meyer, a visionary toy designer, left a lasting impact on postwar childhoods in both British and American households. His innovative ideas combined engineering precision with childlike wonder, ensuring his toys remained popular for over six decades.
One of his groundbreaking creations, Lite-Brite, was conceived in 1966 after Meyer and his colleague Marvin Glass were inspired by a colorful light display in New York. Despite skepticism from engineers, Meyer’s vision of a safe and creative toy for children came to life with a backlit box and templates that allowed kids to make glowing art.
The success of Lite-Brite led to its recognition in Time magazine’s top 100 toys list and induction into the US National Toy Hall of Fame. Even today, updated versions of the toy continue to captivate audiences, appearing in popular culture like the Netflix series Stranger Things.
Another iconic creation, Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots, was born out of Meyer’s persistence to revamp a shelved arcade-boxing concept. By transforming the idea into a comical robot battle game, Meyer created a timeless classic that has been featured in Toy Story 2 and is now set for a Hollywood live-action adaptation.
Throughout his career, Meyer made significant contributions to the toy industry, notably founding Meyer/Glass Design in the 1980s, where he introduced best-selling toys like Gooey Louie and the Pretty Pretty Princess board game. His son, Steve, later took over the business.
Born in 1926 as Burton Carpenter Meyer, he began his journey in toy design after serving in the US Navy. Even in retirement, Meyer’s passion for innovation persisted as he continued building and flying airplanes well into his 80s.
Meyer’s dedication to precision and creativity resonated in both his toy designs and aviation pursuits. His legacy as a pioneer in the toy industry was a source of pride for him, evident in his car’s license plate that proudly displayed “TOYKING.”
Reflecting on his impact, Meyer cherished the joy of hearing people reminisce about playing with his creations, reinforcing his position as a legendary figure in the world of toys.