Tickle Me Elmo Inventor Dies at 78

Greg Hyman, the celebrated electronics wizard and toy inventor responsible for the iconic Tickle Me Elmo, passed away on May 1 at his Florida home. He was 78. Hyman was instrumental in creating the giggling plush Muppet that became a touchstone of runaway toy success in 1996.

The Tickle Me Elmo toy generated immense retail chaos upon its release. Initially, 400,000 units were produced, selling out rapidly and leading to desperate measures by consumers, including one incident where a store employee was injured. Scalpers profited immensely, with the $29.99 toy reselling for up to $7,000.

Before Tickle Me Elmo, Hyman had a successful career in toy invention, collaborating with partners and creating electronic toys. His early work included a talking robot named Alphie and a talking Barney doll. The idea for Tickle Me Elmo originated from a collaboration with Ron Dubren, evolving from a giggling chimp concept to the beloved Elmo.

Hyman's inventive spirit was evident from a young age, with early ventures into electronics and mechanical creations. He studied electrical engineering at Cornell but left to pursue his passion for inventing. His career spanned decades, producing numerous licensed toys, including Major Morgan, an electronic organ, and other popular baby toys.

Greg Hyman is survived by his partner of 22 years, Deborah Nelson, and other family members. His legacy is cemented by Tickle Me Elmo, a toy that not only achieved massive commercial success but also became a cultural phenomenon of the 1990s.