The invention of googly eyes is often attributed to Billy DeBeck, the cartoonist behind the comic strip Barney Google and Snuffy Smith.
While googly eyes as a physical product likely evolved over time, the defining visual characteristic of Barney Google, a character created by DeBeck in 1919, was his large, protruding "googly" eyes. This cemented the term and visual into popular culture. Therefore, DeBeck is credited with popularizing the visual representation of googly eyes.
It's important to note that this refers to the popularization of the concept of "googly eyes," rather than the invention of the physical, adhesive-backed googly eyes we often see today. The actual invention and commercialization of the craft supply likely occurred later, with a definitive inventor proving difficult to pinpoint. However, the initial concept stems from DeBeck's work.
In summary:
- Billy DeBeck: Created Barney Google in 1919, whose defining trait were large, "googly" eyes.
- Impact: Popularized the concept and visual representation of googly eyes.
- Physical Product: The actual invention of the craft supply is less clear, but the idea originated with DeBeck.
