Longtime notable animator, producer and industry pioneer, Jane Baer passed quietly in her sleep, Monday, February 16th, 2026, at her home in Van Nuys, California. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Jane’s artistic talents were evident from an early age. Following in her father’s illustration path, Jane trained at Art Center in Pasadena, CA and began her animation career in 1955 as an Assistant Animator on Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959) working alongside the legendary “Nine Old Men” of Walt Disney Animation. While there, Jane met her first husband, the legendary animator Iwao Takamoto.

In the early 1960s, Jane continued as an animator with Ed Graham Animation, working on various commercials and animated series. After living briefly in Europe, Jane returned to the US and went to work at Pantomime Studios within their Layout Department, working on the “Skyhawks” and “Speed Racer” animated series, followed by continued Layout work at Filmation Studios on the “Aquaman” (1967) and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (1967) series. By 1975, Jane returned to Disney as an Assistant Animator on the villain Medusa, working for the legendary animator Milt Kahl for The Rescuers (1977). She then worked on The Fox & The Hound (1981), Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and The Black Cauldron (1985). Jane’s freelance work continued with storyboarding for several television series at Hanna Barbara, including the original “Smurfs” (1981) television series.

In 1984, Jane went on to establish her own animation company – Baer Animation – with her then husband, Dale Baer. One of the most successful independent animation houses in Hollywood, Baer Animation created the entire Toontown sequences for the landmark, animated film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). Jane’s talents and direction established Baer Animation’s reputation for their high-quality standards and renowned expertise for the fine tradition of classic animation, as well as the integration of live action with animation in the three dimensional “Roger-Rabbit” style. Jane continued animating superbly on the many award-winning commercials and films they worked on and traveled extensively with many national and international clients, while overseeing staff ranging from 50-100+ talented artists and personnel, based on various productions.

Under Jane’s supervision, Baer Animation expanded to become one of the few, fully self- contained and independent animation facilities in the US with departments for every facet of animation production including digital ink & paint, compositing, recording, and effects. Jane also expanded her services for the animation industry with Baer Animation Camera Services. The camera teams at Baer Animation shot major portions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989) and The Prince and the Pauper, as well as the animated features, Rover Dangerfield (1991), Fern Gully – the Last Rain Forest (1990), The Swan Princess (1994), and a variety of projects for Warner Brothers Animation and Hanna-Barbera Studios. Following Dale’s departure in the early 1990s, Jane continued to successfully run the company and create award winning animated content for national and international clients until her retirement in the early-2000s.

A longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, The Animation Guild, and Women in Film, Jane was also a founding member of Women in Animation and later served on their Advisory Board. She was also very proud of the fact that Baer Animation was the Champion of the Animation Beach Volleyball League – beating out Hanna Barbara Studios and Disney Feature Animation Studios three years running!

In her later years, Jane was featured on a range of panel events, festivals and classrooms, sharing her years of professional experience with the next generation of animation artists. Featured in Mindy Johnson’s ground-breaking volume Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, Jane was also honored with The Golden Award, honoring her 50 years in the Animation Industry. In 2002, she received the Ink Pot Award, from Comic Con. Jane was frequently interviewed and made several film appearances, most recently she was featured in the animation documentary, Pencils vs. Pixels (2023).

Jane’s personal work highlights include: Supervising Character Animator of Bennie the Cab, and the Toontown sequences for Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988). She was also the Animation Producer on Fletch Lives (1989), and the Animation Supervisor on Rover Dangerfield (1991), Last Action Hero (1993), and Animation Producer on The Beautician and the Beast (1997). Jane was also the Writer and Executive Producer on Annabelle’s Wish (1997).

Jane is survived by her son Michael and his partner Beth, her brother and his family in Winnipeg, Canada. Her family and many friends appreciate the outpouring of love and support. To honor Jane, donations may be made in Jane’s name to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles. 1845 Pontius Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (424) 208-8840

AWARDS – JANE BAER
Clio Awards
1990 – Best Animation – Pampers’ “Disney Babies” 1991 – Snapper Lawn Mower’s “Lawn Toy”

Houston International Film Festival

1991 – Gold Award, Best Animation – Charmin’s “Princess”
1991 – Silver Award, Best Animation – Snapper Lawn Mower’s “Lawn Toy”
1993 – Bronze Award, Best Animation – EuroDisney’s “When You Wish Upon A Star”

Telly Awards

1993 – Silver Award, Commercial Excellence – Kellogg’s “The Accountant”
1994 – Bronze Award, Commercial Excellence – Marsh’s Grocery “Make You Smile”

Proctor & Gamble International Awards

1992 – Best Production Values & People’s Choice – Choco Milk’s “Dancer” & “Drummer” 1993 – People’s Choice Award and Best Introductory Copy – Choco Milk’s “Mucha Cuerda” & “Patinas y Dominandas”

New York Festival’s Television Advertising Awards

1992 – Gold Medal, Best Campaign – Michelin Tires’ “Stork”

FEATURES, SERIES & SHORTS CREATED:

• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Producer – “Toontown” / Supervising Animation – “Benny, The Cab” Sequences) • Last Action Hero (“Whiskers,” The Animated Cat)
• The Prince and the Pauper (Disney Featurette)
• Rover Dangerfield (Second Unit)

• Tom & Jerry: The Movie (Animation Producer – Key Sequences & Titles 1991-92) • Fletch Lives (Animated Dream Sequence)
• Tummy Trouble (Live Action/Animation Sequence)
• The Lion King (Key Sequences)

• Atlas of the Living Seas (DisneyWorld Theme Park Video)
• Goofy on Health (DisneyWorld Theme Park Video
• Americana (Las Vegas’ Freemont Street Experience Animated Light Show) • Plaza Sesamo (Spanish Language “Sesame Street” Opening Credits)
• Puzzle Place (PBS TV Series)

COMMERCIAL CREDITS:

• Coca Cola’s “Disney Christmas”

• Pamper’s “Disney Babies”

• (1990 Clio Award, Best Animation)

• Chevrolet Lumina: “Premiere,” “Ice Cream,” “Coverage,” “Hippo,” Typhoon,” “Trunk Room”

• Green Giant: “Perfect Day,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Broccoli Crossing,” “Growing Sauces,” “Ice House,” “Farmers,” (Japan)

• Kellogg’s: Frosted Flakes “Kickball,” “Mountain” / Rice Krispies: “Playing Our Song,” “What’s It Say,” “good Impressions” / Frosted Bran: “Men’s Club,” “Accountant” / Choco Krispi: “Camping,” “School Bus,” Fire Station,” Art Class”

• General Mills: Cinnamon Toast Crunch “Cinna-Munchy-Crunchy,” “Camera” / Lucky Charms “Marshmallow Mountain”

• Fanta’s “Treasure Hunt”
• Frito-Lay’s Gator Chips “Frat Party”

• Snapper Lawn Mower’s “Lawn Toy” (Silver Award, Best Animation, Houston International Film Festival; Nominated for a 1991Clio Award)

• Charmin’s “Princess” (Gold Award, Best Animation, Houston International Film Festival)

• Choco Milk’s “Dancer” & “Drummer” (Mexico) (2 Proctor & Gamble International Awards – Best Production Values & People’s Choice)

• Michelin Tires’ “Stork” (Gold Medal, Best campaign, 1992 New York Festival’s Television Advertising Award)

• Mitsubishi Bank’s “Growing Plant” (Japan)
• Amblin’s “Family Dog” Promos (CBS-TV)
• Clorox’s “Scoop Fresh”
• Hasbro’s “Cupcake Dolls” & “Cabbage Patch Dolls” • Nintendo’s “World”

• StarKist Tuna’s “Premia,” “Elegant,” “Elevator/Take A Tuna to Lunch,” & “Charles” • Mattel’s “See and Say Farmer” & “Peppermint Rose & Friends”
• Johnson & Johnson’s Winnie the Pooh Bath Products’ “High Seas Adventure”
• Euro-Disneyland’s “Wish Upon A Star” (Europe)

• Universal Studio Tour’s “Jungle”
• Esso Tiger’s “The Magician” & “The Gift” (Europe) • Campbell Soup’s “Time”
• Disneyland’s “Mickey’s ToonTown”
• Euro-Disney/Nestles’ “Magic Carpet” (Europe)
• McDonald’s/Jurassic Park’s “On the Loose”