Laverne Cox poses with her Tribute Collection Barbie doll. | Source: Mattel/the Pop Insider

Laverne Cox is turning 50 this month — and Barbie is celebrating her in style!

Barbie will be recognizing Cox in advance of her birthday with a Tribute Collection Barbie doll made in her likeness. As the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a scripted TV show, Cox embodies the ideals of the Tribute Collection with her advocacy. The Barbie Tribute Series launched last year with Tribute dolls for Lucille Ball and Queen Elizabeth II, which was in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee and timed to her 96th birthday.

The Barbie team worked directly with the four-time Emmy Award-Nominated actress, Emmy Award-winning producer Cox to sculpt the doll and design a gown that matched her personal flair and aesthetic. The doll features an outfit than can be styled in many ways, including a deep oxblood red tulle gown; heeled boots; and a sparkling, silver metallic body suit. Her glamorous hair is swept into Hollywood waves around silver earrings and a makeup look worthy of any red carpet.

The Laverne Cox Tribute Collection doll features an outfit that can be styled in many different ways. | Source: Mattel/the Pop Insider

“It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll,” Cox says. “I can’t wait for fans to find my doll on shelves and have the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modeled after a transgender person to their collection. I hope that people can look at this Barbie and dream big like I have in my career.  The space of dreaming and manifesting is such a powerful source and leads you to achieve more than what you originally thought was possible.” 

To further celebrate, Barbie is also making a donation in Cox’s name to TransFamilySOS, a nonprofit that is on a mission to create a more gender affirming and accepting community.   

The Laverne Cox Tribute doll will be sold at major retailers starting today for $39.99.

About the author

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski is the editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider. With more than a decade of industry experience, Ali is a trusted source for parents, gift-givers, manufacturers, retailers, and more on the latest trends and hottest products. Whether you’re shopping for the best toys for kids — or looking for the latest in geek culture and entertainment for yourself — Ali’s expertise has you covered. When she’s not building LEGO sets or unwinding with a puzzle, Ali is obsessing over the latest season of The Bachelor, scrolling through Gritty’s Twitter, or rewatching The West Wing (for the 100th time). She is also a self-proclaimed expert on the history and lore of the entire Bachelor franchise. Ali has been featured on TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, Yahoo Finance, Fox & Friends, HLN, The Weather Channel, ABC World News Now, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @hashtagtrendy.

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