Everett, Washington – A GoFundMe for Roger Sweet, credited with creating He-Man at Mattel, has raised more than $84,000 as of Wednesday as he enters full-time memory care.
According to his wife, Marlene Sweet, the 91-year-old former toy designer was hospitalized after returning home disoriented and badly bruised from an apparent fall. Doctors discovered two brain bleeds, prompting a three-day stay in intensive care followed by four more days in the hospital.
Sweet worked at Mattel for more than 15 years and is widely known among fans for designing and naming the original He-Man character and contributing to the Masters of the Universe toy line. Over the years, he attended multiple Comic-Con conventions, where he spoke with fans about the franchise’s origins and creative development.
Physicians determined he is at high risk for additional falls due to advancing dementia and the recent brain injuries. He has since been placed in a memory care facility where staff can monitor him around the clock. According to his wife, Medicare does not cover memory care housing. The cost is approximately $10,200 per month, exceeding the couple’s monthly income.
The GoFundMe campaign was created to help offset those expenses as his condition progresses.
The fundraiser has drawn support from longtime fans of the 1980s franchise, which remains active through collectors, streaming adaptations and resale platforms such as Amazon, where Masters of the Universe merchandise continues circulating.
