One Bear
Teddy Bears and Famous People
As we are all very much aware, teddy bears have been owned and loved by thousands of people the entire world over, regardless of their age, nationality or gender and by both rich and poor, but do we realise just how many famous people have owned a teddy bear?
Politicians, Members of the Royal Family, Sportsmen and women, Pop Stars and Film Stars have all been known to own a special teddy bear. Many celebrities have finally come clean to admitting they have owned a teddy bear who they have loved, even though, it is only during the past few decades that owning and loving a teddy bear has not had a stigma attached to it. Previously, loving a teddy bear was thought of as being a bit childish or you were looked upon as being a bit eccentric. Thankfully, however, we can all now shout it from the roof-tops that we love teddy bears!
Alexis Tarnoff, the famous dancer, was given a teddy bear when he was just five years old (he was born in 1901 – just before the teddy bear made his appearance). His teddy bear had black painted boot-button eyes and he is made of mohair. He is quite an unusual kind of teddy bear, his arms and legs are rather narrow and they are attached to his body with exterior metal fastenings, which look like large metal buttons, which carry the tradename ‘Shield’. Actually, this bear does look a lot like the early French teddy bears, dating back to the 1920’s – 1930’s, as these bears had external jointing just like his. The problem is, if this were the case, the dates, etc. do not match up, so I suppose his teddy bear will always be a bit of a mystery. Unfortunately Alexis Tarnoff died in 1989, so we cannot ask him more about his old bear’s history. However, trying to work out a teddy bear’s history is often very exciting and interesting and really does add to the excitement of collecting teddy bears.
The Late Dame Barbara Cartland, who was famous for writing romantic novels, had a teddy bear who she called The Prince of Love. She said that he epitomised the teddy bear version of her romantic heroes. The Prince of Love was adorned all over by an array of jewels which were bestowed upon him by Ms Cartland. He had earrings sewn up and down his arms and in one ear and he wore a beautiful pink ribbon around his neck (Ms Cartland was always famous for wearing pink herself). She dressed her teddy bear to look, as she said, like an indian prince. Barbara even wrote a special poem for her beloved teddy bear.
Dame Judy Dench, the famous actress who amongst many other roles, is famous for playing ‘M’ in the recent James Bond films, she has been an avid teddy bear collector for many years. She now has over 100 teddy bears in her collection, her favourite teddy bear is her first bear who she calls ‘Gray’. Gray is dressed in lovely green trousers.
Ringo Starr (drummer with The Beatles) has a very large Panda which was given to him in 1976 by Keith Moon (the famous drummer with The Who). It was obviously love at first sight, as the two became almost inseparable. Ringo called his Panda ‘Chairman of the Board’, as he now resides over all of Ringo’s business meetings. The Chairman of the Board was given a pair of white gloves which once belonged to Marc Bolan (of T-Rex fame).
The late and great poet, Sir John Betjeman (1906 – 1984) had a beloved teddy bear who was made by the famous German firm Steiff (circa 1910). Sir John derived great comfort from his teddy bear who he called ‘Archibald’. Sir John even wrote Archibald into his poetry (Summoned By Bells). When he died, Archibald was in his arms.
Teddy Bears have also been quite active in Parliament. Edwina Currie’s bear called ‘Omar’ would often sit on her desk at the House of Commons, as her lucky mascot. Sometimes, Edwina would practice her speeches on him and not once did he moan or answer back.
The late Dr. Marjorie (Mo) Mowlan had a big and, as she called him, ‘rather ugly’ teddy bear which her Father bought for her when she was a small child, he bought him from the local tobacconist, she called him ‘Growler’.
Ex Prime Minster, Margaret Thatcher, had a large teddy bear who she called ‘Humphrey’ who was made of sheepskin with brown leather paws, he was born around 1930. During the 1980’s he lived with the Prime Minister at No.10 Downing Street, London, of course, that was when he was not away from office doing important charity work. Humphrey was a large bear too at 22 inches tall. Sadly, poor old Humphrey went to teddy bear heaven in 1988 after he was put in the washing machine.
The late Earl Mountbatten of Burman (1900 – 1979), grew up to become first sea lord. He owned a beautiful and much loved Steiff Bear (circa 1904). Presumably, his teddy bear was given to him by one of his German relatives.
BBC’s famous gardener, Alan Titchmarsh has a bear who he calls ‘Teddy’, who sits on a chair outside his bedroom door. Unfortunately, the bear has lost most of his stuffing from his hands. Although his head is still quite firmly attached, it does seem to ‘lean’ a bit to one side. Poor old Teddy smiles a friendly biro smile which Alan put on him to replace his black stitched one.
The Late Dusty Springfield owned a beautiful Merrythought ‘Cheeky’ Teddy Bear who she called Mr Einstein.
Prince Charles is also very well known for his love of teddy bears and was photographed taking his teddy bear to school with him. The Late Queen Mother too, loved teddy bears and has been photographed on many occasions holding teddy bears and, when Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew, Prince Edward gave them both a big Merrythought Teddy Bear.
Elvis Presley had many teddy bears, although he did have a special teddy bear who he called Mabel. Mabel went to teddy heaven when, after visiting England, she had a confrontation with a dog. Elvis had a hit with his song Teddy Bear and was later bombarded with teddy bears on stage by his fans every time he sang the song.
Shirley Temple sang the beautiful song Me And My Teddy Bear and later the song was covered by many artists including Peter Gabriel, Sharron Corr and Rosemary Clooney.
There really are so many Pop Stars, Film Stars and Show biz people who have owned teddy bears, far too many to mention in this article and lots of other famous poeple too, such as Donald Campbell (the land speed and water record breaker). Amy Johnson (who flew solo from England to Australia), Willie Carson (the jokey), Jimmy Hill (the sports commentator) and so on and so on…..
It is therefore extremely clear to us all that even the rich and famous need the love, support and comfort of a teddy bear. Is there really no end to his love ?
About the Author
Gino loves fast cars, especially fast italian cars. Gino also loves anything Italian. Gino also heads an old teddy bear site which is full of adorable old teddy bears and their friends.
Please visit his website at www.ginosbears.co.uk
one bourbon one scotch one beer
|
|
cute bear swarovski crystal 18K gold GP three in one colors bangle B75 $0.99 |
|
|
CARE BEARS WISH BEAR FIGURE “BUY ONE GET ONE FREE” $2.99 |
|
|
PAPPA BEAR cherish CD 4 track radio version b/w extended version, one 4 da money $11.05 |
|
|
NWOT ~ PAIR OF SMALL WHITE BEARS ~ ONE WITH SANTA HAT & GIFT / ONE WITH HEART $10.62 |
|
|
Hot Selling Fashion Lovely Bear Printed Hooded Loose Coat Pink Ladies One Size $24.99 |
|
|
BEAR SNOWMAN MOHAIR Adorable in TOP HAT,one of a kind,Artist Tag,Vintage 2006 $53.30 |
|
|
Bo Bear Designs UK – Cheetah – One Bear Collection – Year 1997 – LE #87 $259.99 |
|
|
Baby boys 9M one piece outfit jumpsuit blue stripe fuzzy bear snap up NEW NWT $12.99 |
|
|
teddy bear plush stuffed animals any one would love $12.99 |
|
|
NEW Carter’s Just one Year blue bear security blanket $12.99 |
|
|
LAST ONE FREE SHIPPING RETIRED BEARINGTON BEARS TINY & TEENY TEABEARY 2 BEAR SET $15.95 |
|
|
“ONE” 2004 “NEW” NASCAR COLLECTABLE ~TONY STEWART~ Boyds Racing Bear $7.99 |
|
|
CARTERS Plush CUTE AS CAN BEE Brown BEAR BLANKET Yellow Green Be Just One Year $22.87 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
South korea Cute bear women long sleeve t-shirt 030 $11.99 |
|
|
Giant Panda Bear Design #2 – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1168 $17.99 |
|
|
Kids Preferred BABY BEAR BLANKET Li’l Ones Security Lovey $12.33 |
|
|
LITTLE ATHLETE TEDDY BEAR PLUSH Carter’s Just One Year Baby Toy Infant 8″ tall $10.43 |
|
|
Just One Year Plush Little All Star Blue Baseball Bear $11.99 |
|
|
Fancy Dress Easter Bunny Cheshire Cat Woman Corset Costumes Fairy Tales Outfit $55.29 |
|
|
Koala Bear Awake – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1234 $17.99 |
|
|
Koala Bear Design – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1235 $17.99 |
|
|
Koala Bear Design #2 – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1236 $17.99 |
|
|
Koala Bear Face – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1237 $17.99 |
|
|
PERSONALISED WEDDING FAVOUR MAID OF HONOUR BIG TEDDY BEAR + GIFT BAG ANY COLOUR $20.53 |
|
|
Panda Bear Design – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1305 $17.99 |
|
|
Panda Bear Face – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1306 $17.99 |
|
|
Panda Bear Face Design #2 – Throw Pillow Case or Cushion Case/Cover -OO1307 $17.99 |
|
|
Vintage Dakin Teddy Bear with Squished Nose – 1983 – 8″ – One awesome bear! $15.00 |
|
|
Fenton BEAR Pink & White Satin MONOCHROMATIC Scabiosa & Buds One of a Kind OOAK $159.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE BOYD’S BEARS, 3 IN ONE LOT – H.M.S BOYDS, HERBERT HENRY, SARAH BETH $9.99 |
|
|
One piece Luffy Bepo Bear Chopper Hippo figures set x 8 $19.49 |
|
|
Carters Just One Year Sweet Baby Boy Blue Bear Security Blanket Rattle Satin $24.99 |
|
|
All-In-One Archery Set – Bear Archery School Target Set $1,449.99 |
|
|
CARTER’S JUST ONE YEAR TAN I LOVE U MUSICAL BEAR CRIB PULL TOY LOVEY $18.74 |
|
|
Leap Frog Little Touch Book & Cartridge One Bear In The Bedroom $5.99 |
|
|
THE WALKER BABY BEAR 25 Stories for the very young VOLUME ONE: [Volume 1], Vario $4.09 |
|
|
VINTAGE GFS GIRLS FRIENDLY SOCIETY “BEAR YE ONE ANOTHERS BURDENS” STERLING PIN $29.99 |
|
|
Crotchet one kind bear $1.56 |
|
|
2 RALPH LAUREN POLO SHIRT ROMPER Boys 3-6 mo Bear Blue Onsie One-Piece EUC $9.99 |
|
|
Paul Bear Bryant one blade Pocketknife $7.00 |
|
|
DOLLS & BEARS – LEFT OVER FROM OUR LIVE AUCTION – ALL FOR ONE PRICE $20.00 |
|
|
2 Coke Polar Bears–1 Stuffed In A 9″ Bottle & One 1993 Stuffed 7″ Sitting Up $19.95 |
|
|
PANDA BEAR MINIATURE TINY ONE FIGURINE $6.50 |
|
|
country patch bees bears farm cute blocks cotton fabric material one yard $4.29 |
|
|
One Paw,Two Paws,3 Paws More Rubber Stamp/Children/Bear Stamp/Card/Invitation $3.25 |
|
|
Boutique Vive la Fete Koala Bears smocked red plaid Romper/One piece 6-12 mo EUC $5.99 |
|
|
NEW Carters Just One Year Blue My First Bear w/ Airplane Plush Rattle Toy Lovey $15.99 |
|
|
BEARS W/ Accessories 16″ Stuffed Bears One Size Simplicity #8363 NEW Uncut $3.50 |
|
|
Carters Just One Year Tan & Red Heart Bear Plush Toy Lovey 9″ Tall EUC $9.99 |
|
|
JUST ONE YEAR CARTERS Thank Heaven Boys Bear Lovey $15.99 |
|
|
BEARS With Clothes 18″ Stuffed Bears One Size Simplicity #7895 NEW Uncut $6.50 |
|
|
Plush Brown BEAR HUG Warm Winter Hoodie Hat, One Size $21.99 |
|
|
HONEY BEAR With Clothes 20″ Stuffed One Size McCALLS #8610 NEW Uncut $4.50 |
|
|
ONE (1) ~PLUSH BEAR W / TEE~ 8″H while sitting ~BIG SISTER~ NEW! B-9711249 $15.95 |
|
|
CAMILLE BEAR With Clothes 18″ One Size #158 by Gooseberry Hill NEW Uncut $6.50 |
|
|
Carter’s one-piece short outfit in blue & white with a bear design – 6months $3.25 |
|
|
SEXY CHICAGO FOOTBALL RHINESTONE SPORT STRETCH ONE SHOULDER TOP NEW L BEARS $19.99 |
|
|
Boydes Bears Lot of 3 Scuba Frog, Sink or Swim, Fly Fishing one is 1E/1305 $0.99 |
|
|
BJ the BEAR 12″ One Size #044 by Colorado Country Crafts NEW Uncut $3.50 |
|
|
TEDDY BEAR NEEDLE FELTED MINI 1 inch ~ One of a Kind ~ Bear Artist DAL~ $26.95 |
|
|
Beanie Babies “Mel” the Koala Bear- Ty, Inc. ONE DOZEN – Retired – New in Bag $32.00 |
|
|
Carter’s Just One Year Plush Tan Bear Pink & White Bow $12.00 |
|
|
One True Bear NEW by Ted Dewan $22.59 |
|
|
13″ Cheer Care Bears, One is Animated, One is not, Can you tell the difference? $14.00 |
|
|
ONE of A KIND Carol Pearce Rosebeary Bear $35.00 |
|
|
Chicago Bears Baby One Piece 3-6 Months with Socks White NWOT $10.99 |
|
|
1989 PRO SET PROOF ONLY ONE MADE STEVE MCMICHAEL BEARS $45.00 |
|
|
PERSONALISED MUM NANNY MOTHERS DAY BIG TEDDY BEAR + GIFT BAG ANY COLOUR $20.53 |
|
|
Walter Payton Chicago Bears Sports Illustrated 2nd issue one man gang from 1982 $0.99 |
|
|
Prayer Bear “GOD BLESS LITTLE ONES” George Good collectors item $9.99 |
|
|
One Bling Crystal Rilakkuma bear pendant 3.5mm Anti Dust Ear Plug Cap $7.99 |
|
|
MITSUBISHI MOTORS PLUSH BEAR *LAST ONE IN THIS SIZE* $19.71 |
|
|
Kentucky Crafted Handmade Teddy Bear with Bow tie (One of a Kind) By Jesse $8.99 |
|
|
LOT OF 2 ORIGINAL BUILD-A-BEARS ONE SAYS I LOVE YOU $9.99 |
|
|
* Very cute Bear holding Roses for the one you love! * $4.00 |
|
|
1998 BOYDS BEARS YESTERDAYS’ CHILD “JAMIE AND THOMASINA..THE LAST ONE RESIN MIB $8.99 |
|
|
San x relax bear Rilakkuma Pajamas Cosplay Costume one size $20.00 |
|
|
Carters Precious Firsts Just One Year Pink Bear Lovey $24.95 |
|
|
The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth’s Children, Book One), Jean M. Auel, Good Book $4.99 |
|
|
2011 P 1 OZ SILVER AUSTRALIA KOALA BERLIN BEAR NGC MS69 ONE DOLLAR PRIVY MARKED $55.98 |
|
|
Janet Kruskamp Bears & Roses NO LONGER IN PRINT – LAST ONE!! $10.99 |
|
|
BOYD’S BEARS.. “Whatever you are, be a good one” 1995 $5.99 |
|
|
Taggies Colours Wee Ones Rattles Toy Boy Girl Choose 1 $11.01 |
|
|
Just One Year Carter’s Plush Musical Teddy Bear Pink Velour Lovey Toy Soft Baby $14.49 |
|
|
Dog Clothes HoodieJumpsuits,Bear Embroidered Fleece All-in-One Suits_H116 $16.10 |
|
|
Dog Clothes HoodieJumpsuits,Bear Embroidered Fleece All-in-One Suits_H116 $16.10 |
|
|
Dog Clothes HoodieJumpsuits,Bear Embroidered Fleece All-in-One Suits_H116 $16.10 |
|
|
Dog Clothes HoodieJumpsuits,Bear Embroidered Fleece All-in-One Suits_H116 $16.10 |
|
|
Dog Clothes HoodieJumpsuits,Bear Embroidered Fleece All-in-One Suits_H116 $16.10 |
|
|
aqua Bears Oil pontil bottle damaged flared lip early one $27.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE DRESSED BEAR SALT & PEPPERS SHAKERS – ONE SITS ON THE OTHER ONE – UNIQUE $6.99 |
|
|
CURLY TAN HAIR PLUSH PIER 1 ONE IMPORTS SHAGGY TEDDY BEAR STUFFED ANIMAL TOY $9.99 |
|
|
Carter’s Just One Year Brown Plush BEAR Lovey Yellow Ribbon 5146 $18.99 |
|
|
Carter’s Just One Year “Cute as can BEE” Yellow Green Bear Lovey Blanket $17.99 |
|
|
Chicago Bears Reebok One Size Fits All Hat/Cap $8.49 |