Ann Turner Cook’s baby portrait won Gerber’s first advertising contest and became the company’s trademark in 1931. Her identity remained unknown to the public until 1978; she later taught English and wrote mystery novels, and died in June 2022 at 95.
Artist Dorothy Hope Smith, Cook’s neighbor, submitted a charcoal sketch of the five-month-old and said she would finish it only if it won. Judges chose the simple drawing over elaborate paintings. Gerber publicly revealed Cook’s identity during its 50th-anniversary celebration, after decades of guesses that included Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Dole and Jane Seymour.
Gerber launched its Photo Search in 2010, inspired by parents who saw their own children in the logo; the contest selects a yearly spokesbaby. Cook met Lucas, the 2018 spokesbaby, when she was 91. Cameron Chung was named the contest’s 2026 winner.
