Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a doll includes a pair of arms rotatably attached to a body member for rotation about a horizontal axis, and a lever connected to the proximal ends of the arms. The first end of a deflectable member is attached to the body member, and the second of the deflectable member is movable along the body member. The deflectable member include outwardly bowing intermediate portions. The first ends of a pair of tendons are attached to the arms, and the second ends are anchored to the body member at a point between the ends of the deflectable member. The tendon is curved around the second end of the deflectable member, past the first end, and into the arms through the lever. When the deflectable member is compressed, such as when the doll is hugged by a person, its second end is deflected away from the first end. The tendons are thus pulled by the second end of the deflectable member, and the lever is rotated by the tendons to raise the arms to a hugging position.