This would give children nightmares if they saw this commercial today. Do you know the history behind Mr. Potato Head?

George Lerner was the inventor of Mr. Potato Head. The first generation set for the Mr. Potato Head toy included only push pin-shaped noses, ears, eyes, and mouthparts so kids would play with their food. When you watch the original tv commercial, you'll see they used real potatoes, carrots, bananas and other foods. George ultimately sold his idea to Hasbro in 1952 after buying it back from a cereal company.

In 1964, Mr Potato Head was upgraded with a plastic body. I imagine kids were falling in love with their creations, and moms everywhere found smelly rotting food under the child's bed. LOL!!

All kidding aside, this was a controversial toy due to World War II and food rationing. Mr. Potato Head was considered irresponsible and wasteful.

Today most kids enjoy Mr. Potato Head as a toy, at the movies or in a game.

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