character doll: Gone Gonk

In the 1960s, English inventor Robert Benson created Gonks, a novelty toy. Gonks had small, spherical bodies, furry textures, and googly eyes. Gonks quickly gained popularity due to their kitsch style and public endorsements from celebrities such as Ringo Starr and Peter Sellers. GUND soon began to sell Gonks in the United States. In a 1964 advertisement, the company exclaimed “Gonks invade America… and Gund is Exclusive Headquarters!” The company described the toy as a “a way of life… adorable “people” for tweens, teens and grownups. Cuddly and appealing, they are made of gay colorful multi-colored fabrics cotton stuffed…. the Gonk purpose is to make everyone in this mad, mad world a happy Gonk.” The toy retailed for five dollars and included characters like Kookie-Gonk, Fred Gonk, Mac-Gonk, Eskimo-Gonk, Gone Gonk, and Upside down Gonk.