1969 Talking Julia Barbie doll

Talking Julia #1128

Talking Julia #1128 is absolutely dazzling in this gold and silver jumpsuit. And, you know, jumpsuits are back on trend! Speaking of... I need to purchase one. LOVE jumpsuits. Talking Julia depicted a TV personality, Diahann Carroll. She starred on a show called Julia which aired from 1968 until 1971. Julia was one of the first weekly series to portray an African American woman in a non-stereotypical role. She played a nurse who was a widowed single mother to a little boy, Corey. Julia debuted in 1969 and also came in a Twist 'n Turn model dressed as her character, a nurse. This first doll, Twist 'n Turn Julia (1969) #1127, was dressed in a two-piece nurse uniform but in 1970 it was updated to a one-piece outfit. The doll with the two-piece nurse uniform is worth more.

I was lucky enough to recently score a 1969 NRFB Talking Julia for $120. She came with brunette hair but, as you can see, her hair typically oxidized to red over the years. When you pull the string in the back of her neck, she "spoke" with Diahann's voice! Julia is one of the few Barbie dolls who has her own wardrobe (so did Twiggy). Julia had four special outfits, such as the Sears Exclusive gift set Simply Wow #1594, but also fit in Barbie's clothes.

1969 Twist 'n Turn Julia #1127 - Values: $225 - $300 NRFB; $100 - $150 mint/no box
1969 Talking Julia #1128 - Values: $225 - $300 NRFB; $100 - $150 mint/no box

Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)

---

1969 Talking Julia (from the collection of Lynne Pelzek)

Candlelight Capers, Julia outfit, #1753 (value: $150 - $200 NRFB)