Is woody based on a real doll?

Woody, the iconic pull‑string cowboy doll of the Toy Story franchise, was designed by Bud Luckey for Disney–Pixar. Luckey drew heavily from John Lasseter’s personal collection, specifically Lasseter’s own Casper pull‑string doll that he owned as a child. In addition, the character’s aesthetic and expressive style were influenced by the classic Howdy Doody puppets from the 1950s television show. These real-world inspirations gave Woody a familiar, nostalgic look that resonated with audiences while allowing the filmmakers to create a unique personality for the character.