Gerber Products Company announced on Instagram that Ann Turner Cook, also known as the Gerber original baby, has passed away at 95.
The Friday post stated that Gerber was deeply saddened at the loss of Ann Turner Cook, the Gerber original baby. Ann Turner Cook’s face was drawn to become the Gerber logo over 90 years ago.
Gerber stated, “Many years ago, she was an extraordinary mother, teacher, and writer. Her smile and expressive curiosity captured hearts all over the world and will continue to be a symbol of all babies.”
The company extended its sympathy to Cook’s family as well as those who knew her.
Cliff Cook, Cook’s son, stated that his mother was surrounded with family when she passed away early Friday morning.
He said that she had fallen just a few days earlier and was admitted to hospital, but that her health has declined.
Cook stated that their family was grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with their mother. He described her as active, engaged, and having a great sense humor, which she maintained until the very end.
Cook was five months old when Dorothy Hope Smith, an artist, sketched her baby face in charcoal. This drawing was submitted to Gerber’s contest for a national campaign for baby foods.
This image became the company’s trademark, in 1931. Since then, it has been used in advertising and packaging.
However, the identity of the Gerber baby had to be kept secret over the decades. This led to rumors and guesses that led many people to believe Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart were the faces in the instantly recognisable logo.
Cook wasn’t revealed to be the Gerber child until the late 1970s.
She was a native of Tampa, Florida and grew up to be an English teacher. Later, she became a mystery writer.
Cliff Cook stated that his mother was always active in the community, and that he left a significant legacy as a teacher.
