Ann Turner Cook, the face of Gerber baby food since 1928 , has passed away at the age of 95, as confirmed by the baby products company on Saturday.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more familiar baby face in the world than Ann Turner Cook’s, although you may not have known her name. While the Gerber Baby is a title that has been held by many babies over the years (including the most recent winner of the Gerber Baby contest, Isa , and the history-making first ever adopted Gerber Baby, Magnolia Earl ), the original baby’s playful expression and sweet face is the one most people associate with the brand.
Ann Turner Cook, the first Gerber Baby Contest winner, has passed away.
The famous drawing of Ann Turner Cook was selected by the Gerber company in a contest in 1928, when Ann was just two years old. Despite the fact that it was a simple charcoal sketch competing with oil paintings, the company “fell in love with the baby face.”
According to Gerber , “The image of this happy, healthy baby was soon to become the face that launched a brand, a face recognized and loved across the globe.”
The Gerber Baby’s identity was a secret until it was revealed in 1978.
According to the website , a poll ran across the United States revealed that people thought the identity of the baby might be anyone from Humphrey Bogart, Bob Dole, Jane Seymour, and Elizabeth Taylor.
While the Gerber Baby may not have been a movie star, Cook was a mystery novelist and an English teacher throughout her life.
Gerber confirmed Ann Turner Cook’s passing in an emotional post.
“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,” the company wrote on Instagram . “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,” they wrote.
Fans and even former students took to the Instagram comments to share their mourning. “RIP Mrs. Cook… the OG! She was a wonderful teacher at HHS… The Big Red Terriers are mourning her loss…” wrote one former student.
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“RIP Ann – I am so grateful to meet you, hug you and make a promise. Your picture has been on my desk everyday since I met you. Prayers to your family forever grateful to tell your story to so many people,” wrote another fan.
Our thoughts are with Ann’s friends, family, and loved ones during this time.
