Malia Baker: An Emerging Star in Film and Television
Malia Baker, who began her professional acting journey in 2018 at just 12 years old, has rapidly built an impressive portfolio of films and television shows. While her early roles primarily consisted of uncredited appearances, her talent has shone through, notably with her breakthrough performance in Netflix’s adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club. This success has positioned Baker as a sought-after young actress in the entertainment industry.
Following her rise to fame from The Baby-Sitters Club, Baker has also joined the cast of Disney’s beloved Descendants franchise. These films, known for their enduring popularity, provide ample opportunities for Baker as she continues to navigate her burgeoning career, giving her access to future shorts, music videos, and additional film projects.
8 Hope At Christmas (2018)
Malia Baker in an Uncredited Role
Based in Canada, Malia Baker has naturally appeared in numerous television projects filmed in the Vancouver area. One of her earliest roles is in the Hallmark Channel holiday movie Hope At Christmas, where she played a small part as an uncredited child actor. The story revolves around a woman’s budding romance with a small-town Santa Claus, showcasing themes of family and community, setting a warm holiday backdrop.
Baker’s presence, albeit minor, offered her valuable experience on a professional set, allowing her to gain insights into the fast-paced nature of the film industry.
7 The Twilight Zone (2019)
Malia Baker as Young Anna
The 2019 revival of The Twilight Zone did not achieve the same acclaim as its predecessor, yet Baker’s involvement in the episode “Blurryman”highlights the show’s innovative storytelling. This episode, filled with meta elements, intertwines science fiction with themes of creativity and self-discovery.
Baker appears as a younger version of a character’s sister in an uncredited role. Although her screen time is brief, the episode leaves a lasting impression by inviting viewers to appreciate the magic of storytelling and the importance of imagination throughout life’s phases.
6 The Flash (2019)
Malia Baker as Alice Bowen
The Flash, a staple of the Arrowverse on The CW, took a vibrantly optimistic approach while still tackling serious issues, such as metahuman safety. In the episode titled “Time Bomb,”Baker portrays Alice Bowen, an innocent young girl unaware of her mother’s secret life as a vigilante.
This episode serves as a poignant exploration of the complexities of honesty and secrecy within families, particularly in the context of superhuman abilities. Baker’s role, despite being limited to the personal struggles of a child planning a birthday party, contributes meaningfully to the narrative, acting as a catalyst for the main characters’ moral dilemmas.
5 A Million Little Things (2019)
Malia Baker as Young Regina
Baker’s appearance in A Million Little Things as “Little Girl”is particularly impactful, as she portrays the flashback of young Regina, one of the central characters. This emotional storyline reveals Regina’s difficult past, portraying the devastating effects of childhood trauma.
This heartfelt episode connects the audience to the complexities of friendship and healing among a tight-knit group in a Boston community. Baker’s ability to convey deep emotional distress in a limited role demonstrates her expanding range as an actress.
4 Are You Afraid Of The Dark (2021)
Malia Baker as Gabby
The revival of Are You Afraid Of The Dark successfully introduced a new generation to the thrills of spooky storytelling. Baker joins the cast as Gabby, a new member of the Midnight Society, eager to face the challenges of fighting the show’s antagonist, the Shadow Man.
Her portrayal reflects courage and depth, contributing to the series’ overall success with its slightly terrifying yet child-friendly content. Unfortunately, the show faced a short lifespan, with its original spark not igniting the same level of interest as the iconic ’90s series.
3 Caught In His Web (2022)
Malia Baker as Olivia
Transitioning to more serious roles, Baker stars in the Lifetime original film Caught In His Web. The gripping narrative centers on teenage girls grappling with the ramifications of being targeted by a malicious cyberbully. The film adeptly explores the issue of cyberbullying, showcasing Baker as a character who struggles with the psychological impact of her situation.
Through her performance, Baker highlights the emotional complexities associated with such harassment, marking a significant evolution in her acting repertoire and demonstrating her capacity to handle intense dramatic content.
2 Descendants: The Rise Of Red (2024)
Malia Baker as Chloe
The upcoming film Descendants: The Rise Of Red seeks to revitalize the beloved franchise while infusing it with new characters and story arcs. Baker takes on the role of Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella, a young woman facing the dualities of privilege and her mother’s challenging past.
As this movie unfolds, audiences can expect to witness not only Baker’s acting skills but also her vocal talents, bringing an added dimension to her character. Though the film may be perceived as a weaker installment within the franchise, it still crafts an opportunity for Baker to showcase her range and contribute to the series’ evolution.
1 The Baby-Sitters Club (2020-2021)
Malia Baker as Mary Anne Spier
The Baby-Sitters Club stands as Baker’s defining role thus far, modernizing the cherished series of novels through relatable storylines that address contemporary issues. The series follows a group of middle school girls who balance the responsibilities of babysitting with their own personal growth.
Baker’s portrayal of Mary Anne Spier is characterized by her ability to capture the character’s journey from childhood to adolescence—with its accompanying challenges and triumphs. Audiences resonate with her relatable experiences of first love and the struggles of self-identity, making Baker a standout in a series that expertly melds nostalgic themes with modern-day relevance.
As she continues her path in the entertainment industry, it will be intriguing to follow Baker’s developments and to see if she can replicate her earlier success, proving that her talents extend beyond her initial breakout hit.