Eris Baker Talks the Final Season of ‘This Is Us' & Reflects on Her Personal Growth
Since This Is Us debuted in 2016, the story of the Pearson family has pulled at the heartstrings of families across the country and has garnered support from critics. In its final season, the show has left an indelible impact on Hollywood and fans alike. Eris Baker, who plays Tess, daughter to Randall and Beth Pearson, was merely ten-years-old on the show when it premiered six years ago. The teen now looks forward to continuing to act in hush-hush projects (for now) and growing even more in her career and personal life. EDITION caught up with Baker to talk about the “bittersweet” end of This Is Us, lessons she’s learned from fellow actors, and what’s in store for her future.
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This Is Us is in the sixth and final season. How does that make you feel? What will you miss about acting on the show?
It’s definitely bittersweet because we just created so many memories from the show. So, to walk away from everything is going to be really hard. But it's a new beginning, and I feel like we ended on such a positive note. So, I'm really excited for you guys to see the whole final season. I think from this experience overall – it’s the people.
Yeah, I’m sure. How old were you when you first started with This Is Us?
I was ten years old. I was a baby. I’ve grown up on this show.
So, they’re your second family essentially. What would you say you've learned about yourself in the process since you’ve navigated from being a preteen to now a teenager on the show?
Yeah, definitely. I feel like the main thing that I learned is to appreciate the moment while it’s there. I think that I learned the value of time in general. Being in the last season, I'm definitely trying to hold on to this and take lessons that I learned from season one to season six.
You brought up a good point. It’s important to cherish the moments while they're happening. So, thank you for bringing that out. Who would you say you've learned from throughout your time of being on the show? How have they helped enhance your skillset?
I’ve learned so much from a fan’s perspective, not just from working with them. They taught me so much. Susan [Kelechi Watson] is so positive, and she lights up a room. She’s the perfect example of how I want to come to set. She just makes the atmosphere so peaceful and welcoming. So, just examining her and watching her just be herself and loving what she's doing is inspiring.
And Sterling K. Brown. I can go on about him as well. He's such an incredible actor, but such a genuine human. I've learned from his work ethic the most. He knows what he's doing. He has such a strong work ethic, and I think it pays back every time because he loves what he does.
I'm so glad you were able to work with both of them. That's such an amazing experience. So, since we're in the new year, what are some of your personal goals going into 2022?
My personal goal, especially since this season’s ending, is to go into film. I’m very thankful for this experience, and I'm excited to try new things. I definitely don’t think acting is my only job in this industry.
Are you able to talk about any forthcoming projects just yet?
Absolutely not. Know that exciting things are coming! I'm excited to eventually talk about it.
I figured it didn't hurt to ask. So, you have excellent style. You’ve been on several best-dressed lists. What helps you to embrace individuality through fashion?
Oh, I have no idea what style means to me. I just know what I like. I think you should wear what you're comfortable in. Once I started actually wearing clothing that fits my body and that I'm happy in, and I'm not trying to please others or go by trends in fashion, I found stuff that I like.
I love how poised and confident you are – I can tell even through the phone! What tips would you give the next generation in having confidence? What would you say is the secret?
I think that self-love and confidence are a journey. I have family members that are older than me, and they’re just now finding their confidence and love their bodies. I feel like everyone is different, and it happens over time. I think my best advice is to take it day by day and don't expect to have confidence overnight because that's just unrealistic.
That’s true. That’s sound advice. My last question pertains to This Is Us and even beyond that. I know you also were on K.C. Undercover and Drunk History on Comedy Central. So, what would you say has been a highlight in terms of how have you grown as a person?
When I was 12 or 13, I never got emotional on camera before. I was very scared and nervous and got advice from Sterling. I was just getting really in my head, and I was like, ‘I don't think I can do this.’ But you know, at that moment, it was an emotional scene. So, it just came. I can't even explain that. Even when the director said cut, I was still crying because I couldn't believe that I did it. Not to be cliche, but I overcame this fear of not thinking that I could do it. I feel like that’s kind of when I grew a bit more confident in myself when it comes to acting.
