If there is one thing that all of us could agree on, it’s the fact that babies are adorable. Even if they don’t have the ideal ‘Baby face’ they still give us a smile when we see them. Each baby has their own, special something but for a woman named Ann Turner Cook, the look is more recognizable than others. In fact, I would venture to say that she is the most famous baby in the world and it doesn’t matter how old she gets, she will always be seen as an infant.
The reason why that is the case is because she is the iconic face of Gerber. She is the ‘Gerber baby’ and has been known as such for many years. At one time, she was an English teacher and a mystery novelist but at 92 years of age, she is still known because people see her on various Gerber products. She started with the brand in 1928 when she won a contest and became the black-and-white sketch portrait that all of us know today.
The original charcoal drawing of Cook was submitted by her neighbor, Dorothy Hope Smith. Because it was such a popular image, she became the official trademark in 1931.
She was the bright-eyed, beautiful faced baby that all of us know so well.
“In her entry, Smith noted that she would finish the sketch if she won,” Gerber’s website explains.
“Her drawing competed with elaborate oil paintings, but the judges fell in love with the babyface Smith drew, and when they chose it as the winner, they insisted that the simple illustration remain a sketch. 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.”
Her image is still used by Gerber down till this day.
Since the 1930s, Cook’s image has been seen on Gerber packaging and in each Gerber advertisement. For over 40 years, however, her true identity was kept secret. It was finally revealed in 1978.
“Mrs. Cook’s sparkling eyes and adorable, curious baby face still personify the Gerber brand, representing Gerber’s commitment to happy, healthy babies all over the world,” the website reads.
She still has that sparkle in her eyes.
On November 20, 2018, Cook celebrated her 92nd birthday. One of the reasons why she has loved being a Gerber baby is because she was able to meet other Gerber babies. This includes Lucas Moran, the one-year-old Gerber baby who has down syndrome.
Lucas’ parents visited Florida where Cook lives and decided they would stop by and visit.
“As soon as we walked into the room, (Cook) and Lucas immediately bonded,”Lucas’ parents Cortney and Jason told Today. “Lucas walked right up to her, flashing his signature smile and waving, and we could tell he loved her right away. Ann Turner Cook is truly a wonderful woman and pleasure to be around, and we couldn’t be more grateful that she took the time to meet with our family.”
Cook’s nephew, Chris Colin, said that she has always seen her role as a Gerber baby as being much more than a face on the package.
“My grandmother has always said that there’s something about the Gerber baby that cuts across all kinds of people,” Colin said. “We all feel so divided sometimes, but the positive response that came from all kinds of people… that is one of the things that’s touching for me.”
They are currently looking for their next spokesbaby.