The iconic Betty Boop character will be getting a bit of a makeover at age 90, as Fleischer Studios announced this week that Global Icons will be its new worldwide exclusive licensing agent for the Studios’ beloved slate of classic characters.
Betty Boop was created in 1930 by Max Fleisher for his Talkartoons series of cartoons, which premiered in 1930 as the first animated ‘talkies’ that his company produced for Paramount Studios. The character, inspired by jazz age artists of the 1920s, starred in more than 100 cartoons and was originally voiced by Mae Questel, but remains popular and has been licensed for thousands of products over the years.
Fleischer Studios says it is now looking to expand the opportunities for its properties in creative new ways, and has engaged Global Icons to lead the effort.
“We’re excited for the future and all the fantastic ideas in the works with Global Icons,” said Mark Fleischer, Chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios. “I’m confident they’ll do a superb job representing Betty Boop and our other classic characters. We also look forward to continuing to build our demographics and wonderful relationships in the Betty Boop marketplace in every way possible.”
“I have been a longtime fan of Betty Boop and Fleischer Studios,” said Jeff Lotman, CEO of Global Icons. “Betty is truly a cultural Icon that has gained the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the word. We can’t wait to let our global team have the opportunity to grow the program in a very strategic and aggressive way.”
Lotman says Global Licensing will combine its expertise in brand building with their strength and resources around the world to connect Betty with new territories and consumers while creating exciting new opportunities for her core fan base.
Last year marked the 90th anniversary celebration for the glamorous international icon. For the past nine decades, she has sung, sashayed, and “Boop-Oop-a-Dooped” past rules and conventions, unafraid to take risks or set trends, and proving time after time that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Betty Boop was the first animated screen star and remains one of the most popular and successfully licensed characters in entertainment history, with licensees in the United States and around the world that produce quality products bearing Betty’s likeness in virtually every category.
Betty Boop’s popularity today shines through her prevalence in pop culture. Fashion magazines, advertisers, designers, and entertainment producers are constantly including and referencing Betty in their offerings. She is considered a style icon, trendsetter, and a symbol of women’s empowerment. In addition to Betty Boop, other Fleischer Studios classic characters adored by fans include Betty’s beloved pup Pudgy, Grampy, her pal Bimbo, and the groundbreaking character Koko the Clown, the first character to ever be animated with the Rotoscope.