A true legend in the world of animation has passed away. Jane Baer, an iconic animator who left an indelible mark on classics like Sleeping Beauty, The Rescuers, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has left us at the age of 91. But here's where it gets controversial... her story is not just about the films she worked on, it's a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and the impact she had on the animation industry as a whole.
Jane's journey began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she was born on October 30, 1934. She pursued her passion for art at the Art Center in Pasadena and, in 1955, landed her first animation gig as an assistant on Sleeping Beauty. Working alongside Disney's legendary 'Nine Old Men', she met animator Iwao Takamoto, who would become her first husband. After their divorce, she continued her animation career, working on commercials and animated series, and even lived in Europe for a brief period.
In the 1970s, she returned to Disney, this time as an assistant to the renowned animator Milt Kahl on The Rescuers. Her talent was undeniable, and she went on to work on several other films, including The Fox and the Hound and Mickey's Christmas Carol. But it was in 1984 that Jane and her second husband, Dale Baer, decided to take a bold step and launch their own animation studio, Baer Animation.
Baer Animation became a powerhouse, expanding to become one of the few fully independent animation facilities in the U.S. With departments covering every aspect of animation production, from digital ink and paint to recording and effects, it was a one-stop shop for animation excellence. Under Jane's supervision, the studio employed over 100 artists and personnel, working on major projects like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, where she supervised the iconic Toontown sequences and the beloved character Benny the Cab.
And this is the part most people miss... Jane's impact extended beyond Disney. Her studio's camera services shot major portions of other animated classics like The Little Mermaid, The Prince and the Pauper, and FernGully: The Last Rainforest. Even after her husband's departure in the early 1990s, Jane continued to run the company until her retirement in the early 2000s, leaving an incredible legacy.
Jane's résumé is a who's who of animation, with credits on films like Fletch Lives, Last Action Hero, and The Beautician and the Beast. She also served as a writer and executive producer on Annabelle's Wish. Her contributions were recognized in Mindy Johnson's book Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney's Animation and the documentary Pencils vs. Pixels.
But Jane wasn't just about the work. She was a founding member of Women in Animation and an active member of various industry organizations. In her later years, she dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of animators, sharing her wealth of knowledge at panel events, festivals, and classrooms. And let's not forget her pride in Baer Animation's victory in the Animation Beach Volleyball League, beating out industry giants like Hanna-Barbara and Disney Feature Animation Studios for three consecutive years!
Jane Baer's passing leaves a void in the animation world, but her legacy will live on through the films she helped bring to life and the artists she inspired. Her story is a reminder that animation is not just about the final product; it's about the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship that drive the industry forward.
So, what do you think? Is Jane Baer's impact on animation as significant as I've described? Or do you have a different perspective? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
