Donny and Marie Osmond were the toast of television on their highly-rated variety show, which ran in prime-time on ABC from 1976 - 1979. These smiling Mormon singers not only performed country and rock songs on their program, but also comedically riffed on TV and movie hits of the era, including Star Wars (1977) and Battlestar Galactica (1978).
Perhaps inevitably, Donny and Marie were heavily merchandised by Mattel. Two large-scale action figures of the celebrities were produced, or as the Mattel catalog described the duo: the "sensationally popular TV celebrities -- that razzle-dazzle duo who have captured the hearts of youngsters everywhere with their sparkling personalities and rousing renditions of country and rock and roll music."
Mattel's Donny and Marie were sold both as a pair, and separately in toy stores. Each figure came with "spectacular" flamboyant costumes and "their own microphone." In each box was also provided an autographed photo of the stars, and a blank application for the Donny and Marie Fan Club.
Of more genuine interest to the avid toy collector, however, was the Donny and Marie T.V. Studio Playset.
This fold-out set opened up to reveal two sides: a backstage dressing area, and a performing stage. The set could open up to three-feet in diameter, or fold-up and serve as a carrying case for the figures. The toy also came with a "play TV camera," a stage-light, three movable backdrops, a piano, a guitar, and a real Donny and Marie record album to boot. The T.V. Studio Playset was also good if you weren't a fan of Donny and Marie and, say, preferred KISS. You could let them take over this stage instead...
Or, as the Mattel catalog promised: "Budding producers can recreate the pizzazz and excitement of the Donny and Marie TV show in their own home!"
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