DreamWorks and Sony Pictures Animation Executive Jennifer Kuo Baxter Dies at 62

The prolific lawyer, who specialized in special effects and animation, was closely involved in such projects as ‘Stuart Little,’ ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,’ ‘Trolls,’ and ‘Starship Troopers.’

Jennifer Kuo Baxter, a prolific entertainment lawyer whose career saw positions with Sony Pictures Entertainment, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Interscope and DreamWorks Animation, has passed away from uterine cancer on July 23, her family announced yesterday. She was 62.

She first joined the entertainment industry in the legal affairs group at Columbia Pictures (now Sony Pictures Entertainment) in the fall of 1986, in support of production and distribution of feature films and motion pictures. Throughout her career of more than 30 years, Baxter was closely involved in such projects as Stuart Little, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Trolls, and Starship Troopers. The expertise gained in special effects and animation eventually led her to gain an executive position at DreamWorks.

Kuo Baxter was born and raised in Hawaii and began practicing law in Los Angeles as a corporate lawyer with O’Melveny & Myers in 1984. She is survived by her husband, Tom Baxter; son, Charlie; parents Frank and Dora Kuo; brother Doug; sisters-in-law, Nancy Baxter, Jinee Tao Baxter and Ann Baxter Perrin; brothers-in-law Charlie Baxter and Marc Perrin; nieces Lauren Baxter and Amelia Perrin; and nephews Will Baxter and Colin Perrin.

At the request of her family, donations on behalf of Kuo Baxter can be sent to the Pasadena Art Alliance, the Descanso Gardens, or a charity of your choice.

L'Wren Alexa's picture

Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.