Who is the Gerber Baby?
It seems that everybody knows the Gerber Baby. That adorable face is recognized all over the world. The name behind the face, however, is not widely known.
From Simple Sketch to one of the Most Recognized Babies in the World
In 1928 Gerber held a contest to find a face to represent a baby food ad campaign. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith entered her simple charcoal sketch of a tousled-hair, bright-eyed cherub of a baby with endearing pursed lips. Smith noted that she would finish the sketch if she won. Smith’s drawing competed with elaborate oil paintings, but the judges fell in love with this baby’s face and when choosing it as the winner, 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.
Indeed, the illustration became so popular that Gerber adopted it as its official trademark in 1931. Since then, the Gerber Baby has appeared on all Gerber® packaging and in every Gerber advertisement. The identity of the baby, however, would be kept secret for 40 years, until 1978.
Who is the Gerber Baby?
In a poll taken across the United States, people speculated as to the identity of the Gerber Baby. Guesses ranged from movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Elizabeth Taylor to Senator Bob Dole. But mystery novelist and retired English teacher Ann Turner Cook knows the correct answer: She is the Gerber Baby. She posed for neighbor Dorothy Hope Smith and after more than 80 years, Mrs. Cook’s sparkling eyes and inquisitive look still personify the Gerber® brand. Now, that face has come to represent Gerber’s commitment to happy, healthy babies all over the world.