Introduction
Malia Baker is a talented young actress who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry through her diverse roles in movies and television. Born on December 18, 2006, in Botswana and raised in Canada, Baker has showcased her acting prowess in various genres, ranging from family-friendly dramas to thrilling adventures. She is best known for her role as Mary Anne Spier in The Baby-Sitters Club (2020–2021), which gained her recognition and admiration from audiences worldwide. With her increasing popularity, Baker has expanded her career into notable film projects, including her recent role in Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024).
In this article, we will explore Malia Baker’s filmography, including her breakthrough roles, latest projects, and what makes her a rising star in Hollywood.
Early Career and First TV Appearances
Malia Baker started her acting journey with small roles in television. Her first credited appearance came in 2018 when she played a minor role in the Hallmark TV movie Hope at Christmas. This experience opened doors for her in the industry, leading to guest roles in well-known TV series.
In 2019, Baker appeared in several popular shows:
- A Million Little Things – She played a small role in the episode Someday.
- The Flash – Portrayed Alice Bolen in the episode Time Bomb.
- The Twilight Zone – Played Young Anna in Blurryman.
These early roles allowed Baker to gain industry experience and recognition, paving the way for her breakthrough in a leading role.
Breakthrough Role: The Baby-Sitters Club (2020–2021)
Malia Baker’s big break came in 2020 when she was cast as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix reboot of The Baby-Sitters Club. The show, based on Ann M. Martin’s beloved book series, follows a group of teenage girls running a babysitting business.
Her portrayal of Mary Anne, a shy but kind-hearted and intelligent girl, received widespread praise from fans and critics. The show was well-received for its modern adaptation, diverse cast, and progressive themes. Baker’s performance stood out, making her a fan favorite. She remained with the series for two seasons, but despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled in 2022.
However, The Baby-Sitters Club served as a launching pad for Baker’s career, earning her a nomination for a Young Artist Award and a place in the industry as a promising young talent.
Expanding Horizons: Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2021)
In 2021, Malia Baker starred in Nickelodeon’s horror anthology series Are You Afraid of the Dark? She played Gabby Lewis, one of the members of the Midnight Society, a group of kids who tell scary stories.
This role was a departure from her previous work in The Baby-Sitters Club, as it introduced her to the horror genre. Her ability to convey fear and suspense proved her versatility as an actress. The series, based on the 1990s classic, was well-received, adding another successful project to Baker’s growing résumé.
TV Movies and Film Roles
After making a name for herself in television, Baker transitioned into films, taking on more mature and dramatic roles.
Caught in His Web (2022)
In 2022, Baker starred in the Lifetime thriller Caught in His Web, produced by Whoopi Goldberg. The film tells the story of three teenage girls targeted by a cyberstalker. Baker played Olivia, one of the victims, delivering a powerful performance that resonated with audiences.
This role showcased her ability to handle serious and intense themes, proving that she could take on a variety of genres beyond family and horror series.
Harvest Moon (Upcoming)
Baker has also joined the cast of Miramax’s dramedy Harvest Moon, starring alongside Paul Bettany, Carmen Ejogo, and Candice Bergen. The film explores themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery.
Spider & Jessie (Upcoming)
She will also appear in Spider & Jessie, an opioid crisis drama starring Mckenna Grace and Dacre Montgomery. This film is expected to bring Baker into more serious, dramatic storytelling.
Hair of the Bear (Executive Producer)
In addition to acting, Baker is also stepping into producing. She is executive producing and starring in Hair of the Bear, an indie survival drama. This project will mark her first major behind-the-scenes role and demonstrates her growing influence in the film industry.
Joining Disney: Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)
One of Malia Baker’s most anticipated projects is Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red, set to release in 2024. She plays Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming.
The film follows Chloe and Red (Kylie Cantrall), the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, as they travel through time to prevent a crisis in Auradon. This marks Baker’s first venture into Disney’s musical fantasy world, and it has the potential to introduce her to a wider audience.
Her involvement in this Disney film not only highlights her acting but also showcases her singing and dancing abilities. Given the popularity of the Descendants franchise, Baker’s role is expected to elevate her career significantly.
Malia Baker’s Future in Hollywood
At just 17 years old, Malia Baker has already built an impressive career in both television and film. With her acting skills, charisma, and dedication, she is expected to become one of Hollywood’s most promising young actresses.
What Sets Her Apart?
- Versatility – She has successfully transitioned from family dramas (The Baby-Sitters Club) to horror (Are You Afraid of the Dark?), thrillers (Caught in His Web), and fantasy (Descendants).
- Advocacy – Baker is an advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment. She works with organizations like Girl Up and She’s the First.
- Ambition – Her move into producing (Hair of the Bear) shows her ambition to expand her role in the entertainment industry.
With several upcoming projects and a bright future ahead, Malia Baker is on the path to becoming a major star in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Malia Baker’s journey from a young actress in guest roles to starring in Netflix, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and Disney projects is a testament to her talent and hard work. Her breakthrough role in The Baby-Sitters Club introduced her to audiences, while her diverse roles in film and television have proven her range.
With upcoming movies like Harvest Moon, Spider & Jessie, and Descendants: The Rise of Red, Baker is only getting started. As she continues to grow in her career, fans can expect to see much more from this rising star in the years to come.