Pioneering Animator Jane Baer Dies at 91

Baer worked on classic films like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' before founding her own animation company.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer, a pioneering animator who worked on films like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' died on Monday at her home in Van Nuys, California. She was 91 years old. Baer had a long career in animation, starting as an assistant animator at Walt Disney Animation and later founding her own successful animation company, Baer Animation, with her husband Dale.

Why it matters

Baer was a trailblazer for women in the animation industry, working her way up from an assistant animator to founding her own production company. Her contributions to classic animated films like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' left a lasting impact on the industry.

The details

Baer first got her start in 1955 as an assistant animator on Walt Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty,' where she worked alongside the legendary 'Nine Old Men' animators. She went on to work at various animation studios, including Pantomime Studios, Filmation Studios, and returning to Disney in 1975. In 1984, Baer and her husband Dale founded Baer Animation, which became one of the most successful independent animation houses in Hollywood. The company created the entire Toontown sequence for 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and provided animation services for numerous other films.

  • Baer started as an assistant animator on 'Sleeping Beauty' in 1955.
  • She returned to Disney in 1975 to work on films like 'The Fox & The Hound' and 'The Black Cauldron'.
  • Baer and her husband founded Baer Animation in 1984.
  • Baer retired from the animation industry in the early 2000s.
  • Baer passed away on Monday, February 18, 2026 at her home in Van Nuys, California.

The players

Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer

A pioneering animator who worked on classic films like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' before founding her own animation company, Baer Animation.

Dale Baer

Jane Baer's husband, with whom she co-founded the successful animation company Baer Animation.

Walt Disney

The legendary animator and filmmaker who employed Jane Baer early in her career at Walt Disney Animation.

Milt Kahl

The legendary Disney animator that Jane Baer worked for when she returned to the studio in 1975.

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The takeaway

Jane Baer's pioneering work as an animator and entrepreneur in the animation industry paved the way for more women to find success in the field. Her contributions to classic films and founding of her own production company cemented her legacy as a trailblazer.