Jane Baer, Veteran Animator and Co-Founder of Baer Animation Company, Dies at 91

The animation world is mourning the loss of Jane Baer, a pioneering animator whose work shaped some of the most beloved films of the 20th century. Baer passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at her home in Van Nuys, California. She was 91 years old.

Born Jane Maureen Shattuck on October 30, 1934, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Baer began her animation career in the mid-1950s. She quickly became part of a generation of artists who bridged the Golden Age of Disney hand-drawn features with the evolving landscape of contemporary animation.

Baer’s early contributions included serving as an assistant animator on Disney’s classic Sleeping Beauty. Over the following decades, she lent her talent to numerous projects, including The Black Cauldron and The Rescuers, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to changing animation styles and technologies.

Her work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit was particularly notable, as she supervised key animated sequences that seamlessly integrated live-action footage with hand-drawn characters—a technical feat that remains celebrated today. Baer’s artistry and precision helped bring to life some of the film’s most memorable moments.

Together with her husband, animator Dale Baer, she co-founded The Baer Animation Company, an independent studio providing additional services to major studios and independent projects alike. The company became known for its high-quality animation support, contributing to productions such as Rover Dangerfield, Beauty and the Beast, and Last Action Hero.

Jane Baer’s career spanned more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on generations of animators and audiences. Her dedication to her craft, innovative spirit, and collaborative approach helped shape the animation industry, bridging traditional techniques with modern storytelling.

Baer is remembered not only for her technical skill but for her mentorship and guidance to younger artists entering the field. Her legacy will endure in the classic films she helped create and in the countless animators inspired by her work.