Margaret Hadley Sherwood (a.k.a Midge) was introduced as Barbie's Irish-American best friend in 1963. Midge came into the world of Barbie with red hair and a freckled face to balance out Barbie's sexier looks. With her girl-next-door appearance, Midge had a rounder face, auburn hair, and freckles, and she wore less makeup than Barbie. Her boyfriend, Allan, was created to be Ken's best friend in 1964. Both were discontinued in 1966. It wasn't until 1988 that Midge was reintroduced as California Dream Midge, while Alan (now with only one 'l') made his comeback in 1991 for his and Midge's wedding day.

In 2002, Mattel released the 'Happy Family' collection, introducing Midge and Alan's three-year-old son, Ryan. Midge was expecting again, and she came with a detachable pregnant belly with a baby curled up inside, which caused so much controversy that they were taken off the shelves. Midge didn't reappear until the 2012 animated show 'Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse.' Alan was never seen again until his comeback in 'Barbie-the movie' and a reproduction of the original in 2024.