The original Gerber baby, Ann Turner Cook, 95, has died.
“Gerber is deeply saddened by the passing of Ann Turner Cook, the original Gerber baby, whose face was sketched to become the iconic Gerber logo more than 90 years ago. Many years before becoming an extraordinary mother, teacher, and writer, her smile and expressive curiosity captured hearts everywhere and will continue to live on as a symbol for all babies. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ann’s family and to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.”
In 1928, Cook became the Gerber baby when she was 5 months old. Dorothy Smith, her neighbor, drew a charcoal sketch of her and gave it to Gerber to promote baby food.
In 1931, Gerber trademarked the sketch, and it has been used in its promotions every since.
However, who the baby was hadn’t been publicly revealed for 40 years.
In the latter part of the 70s, Cook’s identity was made known. In 1998, her mother informed her when she was young that she was the face of Gerber.
“All babies are appealing. The reason that drawing has been so popular is the artist captured the appeal that all babies have,” Cook had said.
