The animation world lost a true legend this week. Jane Shattuck Takamoto Baer passed away Monday, at her home in Van Nuys. She was 91 years old. Her career bridged the gap between Disney’s “Golden Age” and the modern era of the 1980s. She was one of the first women to break into the studio’s male-dominated animator training program.
From Canada To The “Bullpen”
Jane grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, but she had a bold vision for her future. She saved her own money and took a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles to study at the Art Center in Pasadena. By 1955, she joined Walt Disney Animation. She worked in a “bullpen” with six other women just down the hall from the famed “Nine Old Men.” She often recalled how those legendary mentors kept their doors open to help the younger artists.
Animating Aurora And Melting Cakes
Jane’s early work helped define the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. As an assistant animator, she spent months meticulously drawing Princess Aurora’s eyes. She once joked about dreaming of those eyes at night. She also animated the famous melting candles on the cottage cake for director Frank Thomas. After a brief retirement to raise her family, her passion for the craft eventually drew her back to the studio full-time.
Creating Iconic Villains
In the mid-1970s, Jane returned to Disney for The Rescuers. She worked closely with master animator Milt Kahl to bring Madame Medusa to life. Her work on Medusa’s intricate eyelashes became a hallmark of the character’s design. She continued her streak with credits on The Fox and the Hound, Pete’s Dragon, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Her skill helped transition the studio during a critical period of growth.
Benny The Cab And The Indie Success
In 1984, Jane and her husband, Dale Baer, founded The Baer Animation Company. Their independent studio became a vital partner for major Hollywood projects. Jane personally redesigned Benny the Cab and supervised the “Toontown” sequences for Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Her studio also contributed to the Disney Renaissance with work on Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. She proved that an independent woman-led shop could meet Disney’s high standards.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Jane was a founding member of Women in Animation and a tireless mentor. She appeared in Mindy Johnson’s book, Ink & Paint, which documented the history of women at Disney. She remained active in the community until her passing and frequently spoke on panels to inspire new artists. Jane is survived by her son, Michael. To honor her, her family suggests donations to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles.
To keep up to date on all the latest Disney news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!