Ann Turner Cook, the beloved original Gerber Baby, has died at the age of 95. The iconic baby brand announced her passing on Instagram on June 4, expressing their deep sorrow: “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 💙”
Cook became the face of Gerber in 1928 when she was just 5 months old. At that time, the company was running a contest to find a child’s face for their baby food advertising campaign. According to Gerber’s website, artist Dorthy Hope Smith, who was Cook’s neighbor, submitted a charcoal sketch of her. Smith mentioned she would add more details if her entry won, but Gerber was so taken with the initial “rough draft” that they decided to use it as is. The image was trademarked in 1931 and has remained a cornerstone of their marketing ever since. For many years, Cook’s identity was a mystery, with speculation swirling around whether the sketch depicted a young celebrity like Humphrey Bogart or Elizabeth Taylor until it was revealed in 1978.
In her later life, Cook worked as an English teacher in Tampa, Florida, and upon retirement, she became a mystery novelist—a fitting pursuit for someone whose identity sparked years of intrigue. Reflecting on the iconic image, Cook once told the Associated Press in 1998 that the artist captured the universal appeal of all babies: “All babies are appealing. The reason that drawing has been so popular is the artist captured the appeal that all babies have.”
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In summary, Ann Turner Cook’s legacy as the original Gerber Baby will forever be cherished. Her story not only highlights a unique moment in advertising history but also celebrates the joy and innocence of childhood.