Monday, June 6, 2022

R.I.P.: Ann Turner Cook, Original Gerber baby

Ann Turner Cook (November 20, 1926 – June 3, 2022)

Ann Turner Cook, whose face became the iconic Gerber logo nearly a century ago, has died at the age of 95.

The Michigan-founded company announced Cook's passing in an Instagram post on Friday, reports FOX Business.

"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," the company said.

In 1928, Cook was 5 months old, and a neighbor, artist Dorothy Hope Smith, drew a charcoal sketch of her that was later submitted for a contest Gerber was holding for a national marketing campaign for baby food.

Judges "fell in love" with the face that went on to launch the Gerber brand across the globe, the company website says.

The sketch was a hit and became the company's trademark and has been used in all packaging and advertising since 1931.

The identity of the original Gerber baby, however, remained a secret for 40 years.

The identity was top secret, and spurred rumors about who it was with guesses including Humphrey Bogart and Elizabeth Taylor.

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