Pioneering Animator Jane Baer Dies at 91

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Jane Baer, a foundational figure in American animation, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 91. Her prolific career included work on classic Disney films like "Sleeping Beauty" as well as the innovative "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", where she served as supervising character animator on Benny the Cab. Baer was also a dedicated advocate for women in the animation industry, co-founding Baer Animation and serving on the advisory board of Women in Animation.

Why it matters

Baer's passing marks the end of an era in animation history, as she bridged the gap between the meticulous hand-drawn techniques of Disney's golden age and the pioneering hybrid animation that redefined the industry. Her advocacy for women in the field also left a lasting impact, paving the way for greater diversity and representation.

The details

Baer began her career at Walt Disney Productions in 1955, working as an assistant animator on "Sleeping Beauty". She went on to contribute to other Disney classics like "The Rescuers", "The Fox and the Hound", and "The Black Cauldron". Her versatility led her to roles at Hanna-Barbera and Filmation, where she worked on shows like "The Smurfs" and "Aquaman". In 1984, Baer co-founded her own studio, Baer Animation, which became renowned for its commitment to quality and classical animation techniques. The studio's most notable achievement was the creation of the Toontown sequence for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", where Baer served as supervising character animator on Benny the Cab.

• Baer began her career at Walt Disney Productions in 1955.
• Baer co-founded Baer Animation in 1984.
• Baer passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 91.