From Diana Ross, Viola Davis, and Mariah Carey to Issa Rae, dozens of famous faces have had their likenesses replicated as iconic Barbie dolls.
Barbie has always liked to honor Black global role icons from diverse backgrounds and fields who are breaking boundaries to inspire the next generation of Black girls.
Across decades we’ve seen countless celebs immortalized in Barbie form. We’ve come a long way since the first Barbie doll was created back in 1959.
Since then we’ve seen a diverse array of famous faces join the ranks, from movie and music stars to royalty.
From the timeless Barbie logo to its diverse array of iconic dolls, the Barbie brand has built an empire of uplifting and empowering products that push the boundaries of imagination.
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Below is a list of our favorite dolls inspired by legendary celebrities from past to present.
Tina Turner
Barbie recreated the singer’s iconic music video look—denim jacket, big hair, leather mini, and all—during the 40th anniversary of Turner’s hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
Diana Ross
In 2003, the Ross Barbie was introduced. The doll wears a stunning, silvery gown that’s fit for a true star.
Aaliyah
One of the brand’s most recent icon additions is Aaliyah, created as part of its Barbie Music Collector Series.
Aaliyah undoubtedly deserves a spot in the Barbie Hall of Fame as a ’90s R&B icon, and what better way to commemorate her than on her birthday?
The doll is said to have already proved hugely popular, with preorders selling out before its official launch on 26 January 2025.
Viola Davis
In March 2024, Viola Davis got her own Barbie doll. The critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author.
Davis has also earned EGOT status through her Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and multi-Tony Award wins.
Ava DuVernay
During the 2015 Christmas season, the Barbie brand
Mattel unveiled the Barbie version of the Selma director, Ava DuVernay, as a way to recognize the iconic career of the Hollywood director.
Beyoncé
The Beyoncé Knowles Barbie doll was released in 2005 as part of Mattel’s Destiny’s Child doll line.
One of the best and most popular female groups ever.
Yara Shahidi
On March 8, 2019, Mattel unveiled a new crop of role models from 20 different countries in Barbie doll form to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The brand chose women from ages 19 to 85 with a diverse array of careers, and representing the U.S. is Grown-ish actress Shahidi.
Shahidi was chosen for her achievements in acting and activism and for her creation of Yara’s Club in partnership with The Young Women’s Leadership Schools in N.Y.C., a digital meet-up for high school students to discuss societal issues, self-improvement, and higher education.
The doll wears a sharp gray suit with a Tory Burch “vote” graphic tee underneath (a shirt she wore to the We Vote Next Summit in September 2018).
Issa Rae
Issa Rae’s character in the Barbie movie is president, and for her doll version, the pint-sized figurine is dressed in a ball gown and sports a sash that reads “President.
Naomi Osaka
Osaka joined the group of powerful and inspiring women who are already part of Barbie’s “Sheroes” initiative.
As part of Barbie’s Role Models collection, a custom Naomi Osaka doll was created to celebrate her triumphant tennis career.
As the first Black-Japanese player to win a Grand Slam and the first Haitian-Asian player to hold the No. 1 ranking in singles, Naomi’s on-court success and off-court activism make her a truly inspirational figure.
Gabby Douglas
Gabby Douglas received her own Barbie Mimi-me ahead of the 2016 Rio Games.
The Olympic gymnast told PEOPLE at the time.
“My older sister and I used to play with Barbies and create these dramatic fantasy stories, so it’s such a huge honor.”
Zendaya
In 2015, Zendaya got her own Barbie for her 2015 Oscars. The doll wore Zendaya’s Oscars red carpet looks.
