Charles Lazarus

ABOUT CHARLES LAZARUS

American entrepreneur who founded the children's toy store Toys "R" Us. In 1990, he was inducted into the Toy Industry Association's Hall of Fame for revolutionizing the toy manufacturing industry.

He grew up working in the bicycle shop owned by his father. At age twenty-five, he opened the baby furniture store Children's Bargain Town in Washington, D.C.

He stepped down as Chairman and CEO of Toys "R" Us in 1994 but remained with the company as Chairman Emeritus.

He was married to renowned sex therapist Helen Singer for sixteen years until her death in 1995. Later that same year, he married Joan Regenbogen.

His company Toys "R" Us is known for its giraffe mascot Geoffrey, who has been voiced by actor Jim Hanks .