Ann Turner Cook, who is known as the original Gerber Baby whose face sold billions of baby food and formula for decades, has sadly passed away at the age of 95. Cook was also a mystery novelist and retired English teacher.
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Original Gerber Baby Ann Turner Cook Dies At 95
On Friday (June 3), the company announced Cook’s death on their official Instagram account. They showed a recent picture of her and on a swipe left, they featured the original sketch of Cook’s cherubic face that became Gerber’s iconic logo for more than 90 years.
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Captioning the post, Gerber wrote on its official Instagram account:
“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 💙“
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How Ann Turner Cook Became The Gerber Baby
The Gerber website has a page detailing the history behind Ann Turner Cook becoming the Gerber baby. They say it all started with a contest that the company held in order to find a face for a baby food advertising campaign, back in 1928.
Artist Dorothy Hope Smith, who was a neighbor of the Turner family, had entered into the contest, submitting a simple charcoal sketch of this cherubic baby with tousle hair, bright eyes and pursed lips.
While several other complete and elaborate paintings were submitted, the judges were swooned by Smith’s portrayal of Cook. Apparently, they “fell in love with the baby face,” and instead of having a crispy, completed image, the company decided to keep the simple illustrated sketch for their company logo.
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The image of this happy and healthy baby would go on to help launch a brand and help sell billions of baby food across the globe. In 1931, Gerber officially trademarked the illustration and since, every piece of Gerber packing and advertising included Cook’s face.
Fun fact: The identity of the baby was never revealed and kept as a secret for 40 years, up until 1978.
In addition to several products of baby food and formulas sold, Gerber is also known for selling children’s wear, life insurance policies and many other products. Click here to read more about the original Gerber Baby.
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