Imagine being the most famous baby in the world. Though she just turned 92, Ann Turner Cook will perpetually be known as an infant.
That’s because she’s the face of the iconic Gerber Baby.
The former English teacher and mystery novelist was the first baby ever official face of Gerber products. She was chosen as a model for the brand’s iconic black-and-white sketched portrait during a contest back in 1928.
A neighbor, artist Dorothy Hope Smith, submitted the charcoal drawing of Cook to the company and she became the official trademark in 1931 due to its popularity.
The drawing showed Cook as a tousle-haired, bright-eyed, cherub-faced baby with pursed lips.
“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.”
Gerber still uses her image to this day.
Cook’s image has appeared on all Gerber packaging and in every Gerber advertisement ever since.
But her true identity was kept secret for more than 40 years, according to Gerber’s website.
They finally revealed the face behind the iconic advertisement 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.
And Cook still has that same beautiful sparkle in her eyes today.
Cook celebrated her 92nd birthday on Nov. 20, 2018. One of the joys that Cook has derived from being a Gerber baby is getting to meet other Gerber babies.
She got to meet 1-year-old Lucas Warren, the first Gerber baby with Downs syndrome.
Lucas’ parents were visiting Florida where Cook lives and decided to stop by Tampa after Gerber arranged a meeting.
“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.”
But Cook’s nephew, Chris Colin, says that she’s always seen the role of a Gerber baby as much more than just a cute face.
“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.”
Gerber is currently looking for their next spokesbaby.
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