Unmasking The Iconic Face: Who Is The Gerber Baby, The Original Legacy, And The 2024 Winner

The question of "Who is the Gerber Baby?" is more complex than most people realize, encompassing a nearly century-old mystery, an enduring American icon, and a modern annual tradition of crowning a new face. As of December 12, 2025, the identity of the original, instantly recognizable charcoal sketch remains one of the most fascinating stories in commercial history, while the title of the newest representative belongs to an adorable one-year-old from Arizona.

The Gerber Products Company logo is arguably one of the most famous trademarks in the world, symbolizing nutrition, health, and a universal image of babyhood. While the original face has a permanent place in history, the brand continues its legacy through the annual Photo Search, which recently introduced the world to its newest "Chief Growing Officer" (CGO!). This deep dive uncovers the dual identity of the Gerber Baby: the original legend and the current, fresh face.

The Original Gerber Baby: Ann Turner Cook’s Biography and Enduring Legacy

For decades, the identity of the cherubic face drawn in a simple charcoal sketch remained a tightly guarded secret, fueling immense public curiosity and speculation. The mystery was finally solved, revealing the true identity of the original Gerber Baby to be a woman named Ann Turner Cook.

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Ann Turner Cook: A Life Profile

• Full Name: Ann Leslie Turner Cook (née Turner)
• Date of Birth: November 20, 1926
• Date of Death: June 3, 2022
• Age at Death: 95 years old
• Birthplace: Westport, Connecticut, USA
• Gerber Baby Status: Chosen as the model for the iconic logo in 1928
• Profession: Educator, English Teacher, and Mystery Novelist
• Notable Works (Novels): The Brandy O’Bannon mystery series, including *Trace Their Shadows* and *Shadow Over Cedar Key*.
• Connection to Artist: Her family was neighbors with the artist, Dorothy Hope Smith, in Connecticut.
• Age in Sketch: Four months old

Ann Turner Cook’s story is remarkable because her life was defined by far more than her infant portrait. She grew up to become a dedicated high school English teacher in Tampa, Florida, and later a respected mystery novelist, showcasing a multi-faceted life that transcended her early fame.

The 1928 Contest and The Charcoal Sketch

The Gerber Products Company, founded in 1927 in Fremont, Michigan, decided to hold a contest in 1928 to find a face for its new baby food advertising campaign. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith, a commercial illustrator and neighbor of the Turner family, submitted a simple, unfinished charcoal sketch of four-month-old Ann.

Smith’s submission was a quick sketch, and she intended to finish it later if she won. However, the judges were captivated by the drawing's simple, expressive, and lifelike quality—the bright, curious eyes, the pursed lips, and the slightly messy hair—and asked to keep it exactly as it was. They felt the sketch perfectly captured the essence of a healthy, happy baby. The drawing was adopted as the official trademark in 1931 and has been used ever since, becoming one of the most recognizable corporate logos globally.

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Ann Turner Cook’s passing in June 2022 at the age of 95 brought a wave of tributes, solidifying her status not just as a logo model, but as a beloved figure who represented an entire generation.

The Modern Era: The Gerber Photo Search and Chief Growing Officers

While Ann Turner Cook’s sketch remains the permanent logo, Gerber launched its annual Photo Search contest in 2010 to find a new "spokesbaby" or "Chief Growing Officer" (CGO!) to represent the brand for a year. This modern tradition celebrates the diversity and joy of babies across America, continuing the spirit of the original 1928 contest.

Meet Akil “Sonny” McLeod: The 2024 Gerber Baby

The most current face of the Gerber brand is one-year-old Akil "Sonny" McLeod from Arizona. He was officially announced as the winner of the 14th annual Photo Search on June 25, 2024. Sonny’s winning photo, which captured his cheerful and bright personality, earned him the prestigious title of 2024 Gerber Chief Growing Officer.

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As the 2024 Gerber Baby, Sonny and his family—parents Dominque and Akil McLeod Sr., and his sister, Sage—received a $25,000 cash prize, a year's supply of Gerber products, and the opportunity to be featured in Gerber's marketing campaigns throughout the year. His parents noted that watching Sonny conquer "tiny achievements, from giggles to standing," is an honor every day, reflecting the sentiment the brand aims to capture.

Sonny's selection continues Gerber's commitment to showcasing diverse families and backgrounds, a trend that has been celebrated in recent years.

Recent Gerber Photo Search Winners (2020–2023)

The annual contest has highlighted a variety of adorable and unique children, each bringing their own story to the iconic brand.

• 2023 Winner: Madison “Maddie” Mendoza (10 months old)
• 2022 Winner: Isa Slish (7 months old), the first Gerber Baby with a limb difference
• 2021 Winner: Zane Kahin (5 months old)
• 2020 Winner: Magnolia Earl (1 year old)

These winners serve as temporary spokesbabies, sharing the spotlight with the original, permanent sketch of Ann Turner Cook. The contest is a modern celebration of the brand’s heritage, connecting the classic logo to contemporary family life and emphasizing the importance of early childhood nutrition.

The Enduring Entities and Topical Authority of the Gerber Brand

The story of the Gerber Baby is inextricably linked to the history of the Gerber Products Company itself, which began with Dorothy Gerber hand-straining solid foods for her own baby in 1927, following a pediatrician’s advice. This focus on nourishing one baby evolved into a mission to support parents and children worldwide.

The brand’s topical authority is built on several key entities and concepts:

• The Charcoal Sketch: The simple, yet powerful, original artwork by Dorothy Hope Smith.
• Fremont, Michigan: The original home and heart of the Gerber Products Company.
• Chief Growing Officer (CGO!): The modern title given to the annual Photo Search winner, emphasizing the brand's focus on developmental milestones.
• Photo Search: The contemporary, annual contest that engages millions of parents.
• Historical Context: The transition from hand-strained baby food to mass-produced, trusted nutrition.

The dual narrative of the Gerber Baby—the original, enduring symbol and the annual, fresh face—ensures the brand remains culturally relevant. Ann Turner Cook's legacy as a teacher and novelist adds depth to the icon, showing that the face of the Gerber Baby is not just a commercial image, but a symbol of a full, accomplished life. Meanwhile, Akil "Sonny" McLeod represents the hope, diversity, and joy of the current generation of healthy, growing children.

The question of "Who is the Gerber Baby?" is best answered by acknowledging both figures: Ann Turner Cook, the unforgettable, permanent face of the logo, and Akil "Sonny" McLeod, the current, vibrant representative chosen to carry the brand's message into the future.