Mr. Potato Head, the familiar spud-shaped chunk of plastic, arrived in 1952, as plastic ears, noses, and mouths to create potato people from real potatoes (or other vegetables). 

A year after his appearance, Mr. Potato Head was introduced to the future Mrs. Potato Head and a short time later, were married. They soon acquired (with many loans) their own convertible, boat, airplane, and locomotive, not to mention many household items.

Eleven years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head grew into a definite shape; a potato, no longer having to live as tomatoes, onions, or eggplants. It was not of a potato, it was of a body with a long spike on the end for potatoes.

In 1966, Mr. Potato Head, the original couch potato, began jumping and became "Jumpin' Mr. Potato Head." Not only did he jump, but Mr. Potato Head also fished, flew kites, and played with his jackhammer. At the same time, Mrs. Potato Head (before the Woman's Potato Liberation Act of 1976), got her very own floor polisher, feather duster, dinner bell and vacuum cleaner.

However, it was not until the 70's that they grew into potatoes. In 1974, Mr. Potato Head not only doubled in size, he got better. In 1980, Super Mr. Potato Head exploded onto the scene, allowing his owners to rearrange his face, bend his arms and tuck all of his extra body parts into his rear-end. This was the first time Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head had plastic bodies.

Finally, after 23 years of marriage, the Potato Heads decided to raise some Tator Totts. So, on February 11, 1985, Baby Potato Head was born.

As a father to 12 spuds, Mr. Potato Head decided to become the official "spokespud" of the American Cancer Society's great American Smokeout when he traded his pipes for a pair of running shoes.

In 1992, the Potato Heads turned into softies. No, not bleeding heart liberals, but as Stuffed Potato Heads. They have Velcro backed body parts and can be placed anywhere on the spud.

Most recently, Mr. (and Mrs.) Potato head appeared in the Disney movie Toy Story as the cynic, critisizing the moves of every character.

Hasbro continues to release different kinds of Potato Heads; Tool Belt Tater, Prima Spuderina, Sheriff Spud and more to come. Beginning in January of 1998, Burger King will be including Mr. Potato Head toys in their Kid's Club Meals.