That Was Us - Eris Baker and Us | Tess Pearson

Episode Date: May 12, 2026

This week on That Was Us, we’re so beyond excited to be joined in studio by actor Eris Baker, who grew up playing Tess Pearson on This Is Us! Eris reflects on her journey from child actor to USC film production student, opening up about balancing school and set life, stepping into storytelling behind the camera, and how playing Tess shaped both her personal life and creative voice. In this episode, Eris chats about: * Booking This Is Us at just 10 years old after filming a Target commercial * Growing up on set alongside the cast and forming lifelong bonds with the Black Pearson family * Navigating school while working and missing out on a traditional high school experience * Choosing USC’s film production track and her dream of becoming a creative producer and director * Writing and directing her own short films and the emotional response one of them got from Sterling * Working as a PA on Dan Fogelman’s series Paradise and hustling for internships at production companies * Saying yes to Tess’s coming-out storyline at age 12 * Cutting her hair for the storyline and how it impacted her confidence entering high school * Preparing emotionally for Tess’s coming-out scene with support from Sterling, Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Olin, and Dan Fogelman * Her close friendship with Lyric Ross and Faith Herman both on and off screen * Where she imagines Tess, Deja, and Annie would be today * Why she hopes to one day run her own production company And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!" That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith. ------------------------- Support Our Sponsors: - Don’t just take my word for it – go grab one for yourself. Head to Walmart today to try a bar or stock up on 4CTs of your favorite flavors, like Blueberry Pie and Salted Peanut Butter, sold exclusively at Walmart. Check out https://Walmart.com to find a store near you! - Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to https://Quince.com/twu for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. ------------------------- 🍋 About the Show: The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it. Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments. Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday. ------------------------- Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz Creative Producer: Sam Skelton Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley Video Editor: Todd Hughlett Mix & Master: Jason Richards About Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com. » SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1 » FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum » FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/ » FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a headgum podcast. Guys, how are we doing? How are we doing? It's good to see you. We have a big birthday about to happen. It is right around the bend. Oh, that's right. So by the time the episode comes out, I will officially be 50 years old.

But in real time, we are two days away from SKB's 50th. Yeah, I got invited just under the wire. You were invited by me. My wife was sending out invitations. Several times. And Ryan, Michelle, I can't wait for her to see this. I was just like...

Not that guy. Let me tell you something. She and Eris got together and said, not Chris Sullivan. Not that guy. She's been so... It's very sweet to see her planning this party for me. Because she's very goal-oriented. Like when my wife puts in her head that she's going to get something done, she does it.

Yeah. Like make sure everybody gets invited. Like that part Because so I will have been roasted Right? And she was like Who do you want to be the roasters?

And I was like, well people from family And people from this part of life This part of life So I want to people be represented From all different parts of life So it is who already participated Chris and Wirtis Yeah, we'll have

We'll have roasted Some friends of mine from college Will have roasted I think somebody from my family. The judge is the judge. The judge is one of the roasters. Great, I can't wait. The judge is one of the roasters.

And then my buddy from high school, Michael Hogan, who's very funny. He was actually, he played the bartender in the first season of Paradise. Okay. Yeah. So he'll be one of the roasters. And I think possibly my brother and maybe somebody from grad school, right? So it's just, you know. Is Ryan going to roast?

She's sort of the MC. Yeah. She's the master of. The mistress of ceremonies, if you will. So I'm very excited. Which means she's open game too. She's on the dais. You're on the dais, Ryan.

She's on the dais. So if you have something for Ryan, oh boy. Oh, boy. This is going to be great. Everybody's asked me, like, why did you want to do a roast, right? And I said, I feel like laughter is kind of like my love language. Yeah. And like good, if you can't, if you can't take it, you shouldn't,

dish it out. So, like, I feel like, what a better way to sort of celebrate what I think has really been the thing that has allowed me to get through life through these 50 years is, like, finding the joy, finding the thing that it makes you genuinely tickled about, even the things that are difficult to deal with. You know what I'm saying? It doesn't mean that we don't have difficult parts of life, but, like, there's something funny about all of it. You know what I'm saying. So I look forward to having the piss taken out of me from few people. It should be I can't wait to see you up there. Well, we'll see. Roasting is a delicate thing. I had the honor of being roasted by Josh Johnson recently. Josh Johnson. He's a comedian. He's one of the daily show

folks. And he was hosting the daily show. And shout out to Josh. If you guys get a chance, check it out. Like you can find it on YouTube or whatever. It's like a roast, but it's like a roast of compliments. Right. And it is so funny. Like, he made my face hurt from smiling from ear to ear. It's like the cute. This roast won't be like that.

No, it won't be like that. No. He wants tears. He wants tears. If you want to kick something in, feel free. We'll get you a wireless mic, and if something just comes to mine. It comes to mine. Off the cuff.

Top of mine. Two glasses of shardine. I got one. I got one. Who's got the? Mike. Like Andrew said the same thing. He's like he like he he roasts people in the house all the time. And he's actually pretty funny. I was like bro, you should do this at the roast. He's like, if I'm not funny, it goes bad. And but Amari Amari is like, I'll do it. Amari is

unafraid of anything. Like he introduced us at the at the live podcast. Yeah. Like if you give Amari a microphone, he's going to do something with it. So we'll see. So it'll be fun. I love that. I can't Wait. What's happening in your world? Yeah. What's happening in my world? Traveling a bit, getting ready to do a movie. Getting kids ready for summer break, which will be our first real summer break from school.

From school? Are you guys traveling? Yeah, I mean, I've got all kinds of Airbnbs lined up. Correct answer. That's right. Yeah, I'm sure we'll put something together. But there's something about traveling with five-year-old and a three-year-old. that it's not a vacation.

It's like not a vacation. It's important. It's a family trip. It's a relocation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's like, where can we take these snacks and eat them? Sure. In a new place.

In a new place. Let's eat goldfish at altitude. Yeah. Let's eat. By the ocean. Let's have hummus by the ocean. But I do want to say this is an important distinction. I think a family trip and a vacation are two different things.

Correct. To a certain extent. And I want to make sure, like, you and the wife still get away together? We have not. You have not since you've been parents. Have you had a chance? Yeah, once or twice for like a night. We still haven't done the...

You can get like, yeah, two or three. Yeah, you need to do the Great Italian Escape. Yeah, you need to do it. You need to do it. What about you guys? I mean, you're going to think of it too. How often do you guys get to get away at all? No, we need to do that too.

Especially now that there's three. You guys, I was 11 years in the parent-go before Ryan and I took a trip without them. That's... Too long. Too long. Too long. Yeah. Mom and dad need to have some...

time to themselves. So, okay, I'm just saying. If you need me to babysit, I'm great with little white babies. I carry one around on a horse. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Give me all fine. Oh, yeah. You're on a horse. Everybody over to Sterling's house. We're teaching him how to swim. Just put him in the backyard. What's going on with you? So wait, I know you're going to, I don't know this because your husband's going to be touring soon. You guys are going to go out with them for a little bit. Yeah, we're going to go. We're going to sort of piggyback and find him in different places around the country. Like, they're doing the Newport film, folk festival. They're doing, you know, like that kind of stuff. And we'll try to plan some little trips around some of his shows. So you'll be,

you'll be tripping with the three by yourself, not with him. Not with him. Or we might go with him to some of these places, but then meet him other places. And like, I'll bring my mother-in-law. Have you done three by yourself? No, no, no. I won't do it by myself. My mother-in-law will come. I'll copy that. It's like, it's two for one. She gets to see both of her, both. And she gets to see both. and with all her grandkids, so that'll be fun for her. I'm about to wrap on the land. We're like, yeah, 10 episodes. How many days?

I'm literally done on Monday. Nice. I know. Good first season. You feel good? I feel good. You told me you watched the first three and you like what you've seen so far. I do really like it, yeah.

Has it made you a football fan at all? Oh, yeah. Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love it. It makes me more excited, too, for, like, the next football season. Sure. And then it makes me excited.

for the show to come out and for football fans to hopefully discover the show and be like, whoa, this is a cool companion to, you know, this game and entertainment that I already love. Do you have a team now? Well, I'm a Rams girl, obviously, for the proximity of, but we've also become very close with Les and Kara Sneed. Less Need is the GM of the Rams. Okay. And his wife Kara is the greatest human. We love her.

And she's like kind of become a consultant on the show. Okay. She's kind of like part of our family. so we love her. I love the rins. Mandy Moore starts talking football and it does something to me. Uh-oh.

I think it. She gets excited. Well, I'm like, oh, I get it. I get why the entire world is addicted. Yeah. Did you watch playoffs or Super Bowl or anything like that? Yeah, yeah, yeah. And did you feel like you're able to follow it

in a different way than prior years? Yes, but also with the investment of like liking a team. It's different when you're like just neutral. Like when we went to the Super Bowl, years ago for the show. It was fun to be like, I'm like, I don't like the Patriots, so I'm definitely rooting for the Eagles. I knew that, but I still didn't, sorry.

I don't care. Stand by that. But I didn't have that same investment, but watching like, you know, the playoffs and wanting to see the Rams go all the way, it was like, oh, it was crushing when that didn't happen. So it's like, I get having that investment in that connection with a team.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We have a really special episode today. I'm excited because I feel like we've wanted to get this lady in here for a really long time. You've had the pleasure of getting to spend some time with her recently because she was a PA on Paradise. She's a PA on Paradise. She's my TV daughter played Tess Pearson. She is Eris Baker. She's now in college, you guys.

She's at USC. She's going to take over the world. She's going to take over the world. As we found out. She is going to take over the world. I have no doubt. She's like, I want to have a production company. And I'm like, you will.

Absolutely. I see, like, there's no stopping her. Yeah. Like how she was sort of embraced on set was such a gorgeous thing to behold, because she just, people just fall in love with her. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? We just got done talking to Eris Baker.

You're about to hear us talk to Eris Baker. Yeah. There was something about her from the jump, from a 10-year-old on set doing her pretty much her first job in the business. Like, there is such a self-assuredness. and a humility and like an openness, a curiosity to want to learn about the business, learn about how everything works and how do you make a TV show? She's so generous.

She has such a big heart. She has such a big personality. So much fun, man. So much fun to be around. Like her energy is contagious. It was like, I mean, she made being like her dad a joy. You got to experience what it was like to have daughters. Yeah, it was pretty, pretty cool.

Let's jump right in. Let's jump right in. This is our interview with my TV daughter, Tess, Ers Baker. This is such a joy. I don't know if you know this, but we had faith on. Yes, I know. Right, and we had a wonderful time. And this is my oldest biologically born daughter to Randall Pearson and Beth Pearson on This is Us.

who played Tess Pearson. Guys, this is Eris Baker. What's good? It's very exciting to have you. Because you just got, she was just on set with me for Paradise as a PA. And she was so professional and so good. And as you can see, did you pretend not to know him? No, Sterling would come up to me and be like, Aris!

And I would be like, I am. Sterling. You're like, someone's in my ear. No, no, no, I'm like, we want. No way, you need to get the set. Like, they're calling you right now. Yeah, no, he's right here with me. No, I know.

I'm trying to get him to calm down. Yeah. He will not calm down. Yeah. You're going to have to get another PA over here. Absolutely. Yeah. But it's so amazing because we met when you first did the pilot, were you 10?

I was 10. And you were now. 20. You guys. I know. Welcome to the world. It's stupid. That's crazy.

It's dumb. I was saying to somebody the other day. I remember this one scene where, like, you and Faith, I had to, put you each in one arm and, like, carry you up the steps. Can't do that now. No. No. Actually, I bet you could.

That would be a good social media video. It feels slightly inappropriate. Powering, more than likely. We'll leave it. Yeah. More that was us after these words from our sponsors. Ladies and gentlemen, these days I'm all about quality over quantity. Especially in my closet.

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If I need something in my life, I go to quince. Because these days, I'm all about quality. Quince makes high-quality wardrobe staples using premium fabrics like 100% European linen, 100% silk, and organic cotton poplin. Poplin, I said. lightweight cotton cashmere sweaters perfect for the changing seasons and can't miss seasonal colors and prints for spring. Versatile, well-made pieces that make getting dressed simple. The quince cotton cashmere sweaters are always my go-to this time of year. It's lux layering.

It's just like that added third piece that makes an outfit feel more elevated, but it doesn't cost nearly what you think it's going to cost. And it's just high-quality cotton cashmere. It's gorgeous. Right now, I'm traveling in my closet. I have a full linen outfit. I'm down here in the south. I've got to stay cool, baby. So I've brought my linen.

What did I bring in my workout clothes? All Quince workout clothes. Right now, go to quince.com slash TWU for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to wear it and I love it. And you will. Now available in Canada, too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to Q-U-I-N-C-E.com slash T-W-U for free shipping and 365-day returns.

Quince.com slash T-W-U. If This Is Us has taught us anything, it's that a home is never just a home. It's where all the big moments and the small ones happen. Like, you think of all the Pearson House moments. There was always something happening in every corner. But in real life, there's usually that one space that just sits there. And the practical side of it is those spaces still have value. Whether it's a guest room or your whole place when you're away, you could be listing it on Airbnb and turning that unused space into extra income.

And if you've ever considered listing your space, but it felt a little overwhelming. Now it's easier than ever with Airbnb's co-host network. You can hire a local experienced co-host who can handle the details and help manage everything for you. That's the part I've, whenever I've thought about listing my home on Airbnb or our guest house or anything like that, that is the part that has been kind of the most anxiety inducing. Like, how do I, how do I handle all these bookings and the scheduling and watching the calendar? And, you know, if my guests need anything, I want to, I want them to be comfortable and I want them to be helped immediately. But if I'm not available, who can do that? And now Airbnb has a whole kind of network of hosts. professional hosts who can do that for you. A co-host can handle guest communication, manage reservations, and even provide on-site support. So hosting feels a lot more stress-free. So it doesn't feel like you're taking on a whole new responsibility.

It just becomes something that actually fits into your life. If you're curious about getting started, find a co-host at Airbnb.com slash host. So, okay, I want to tell people, and then you can set it up a little bit more, but this young lady is in school at USC. You are a film major? Yeah, film production. Direct. Oh, so it's production. It's producing no thing.

But I want to start with this thing because she's on set. Season's almost over, whatnot. And she's about to go direct, is it your first short or you directed some other things before? Like my second short. Like your second short, right? And she's like, I wrote the script and it's like six pages. And I'm like, can I read it? And you're like, you want to read it?

I was like, go to set. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he was like, no, I want to read it. I was like, no, I want to read it. You guys, this young lady has skills. Oh, I don't doubt it. In six pages, she tells this gorgeous love story. And I was in tears.

I was like, I want to read it. I was like, I'm like, I want to read it. I was like, Paris, what? So then she wound up. Let's read it right now. Out loud. Let's do it out loud. We'll do a cold audition.

So, wait, she wound up shooting it and she wound up bringing in lyric to play like the female. No way. Who played the... I don't know the young man. But I don't know. Ethan, yeah, he's from When They See Us and Nickel Boys. Yes! Okay, so did you bring the...

And like, and I wanted to come to set, but I tore my Achilles. And I was kind of jacked up and I was like, oh, it was raining. It was like... But how did it go? Were you happy? It went so. good. It went amazing and my crew was amazing and my parents are always on set. They'll like do crafty and like it's always like, no, it's so good. You got the best set parents. I have the best parents

and the best crew and it just felt like making a short film with my friends, honestly. And lyric being there was insane and it felt like I was directing like my sister because we've always just been really close and that was amazing. And I've knew Ethan for years. But like, Because when they, this was kind of like going on like, during like, This is Us. So I kind of like knew him. And but we weren't really close. And he read the script and he was like, I'll do it for you.

Like, I'm so down. And I was like, I'm not paying you, by the way. And he was like, I'm so sorry. Like, I can't do that. And he was like, I want to do it because the script is good. And the energy just felt amazing. And the shoot, yeah, it went great. How did it turn out?

It went really good. It's great. I'm currently editing it right now with a friend. But yeah, I'm excited just to get it done. put it out there and put it into festivals and yeah, kind of start that. So tell me the difference between a film major and a film production major. Like what are the focuses, the differences in the focus? So USC is very complex.

There's a film production major and that's when you're kind of directing everything. You're directing and you're writing all your material. And then there's also like CAMs majors and there's also like, and that's kind of like, there's like different like school. There's different majors under like the school For like camera operators? No, CAMs is more so like we're going to be writing about film. Oh, wow.

Yeah, and then there's like business and film. And you're learning the whole entire business side of film. Interesting. So there's different setups but film production is kind of like what you're like you're directing, you're writing, you're producing the whole nine. Got it. But there's so many times where I'm just like, well, I wish I learned more about the business side of it. But it's everything creative in film production.

Very cool. Yeah. What is the end game? What do you, like, at this point in time in your life, what is it that you see yourself doing in this career? I really want to be a creative producer at a film production company. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.

Like, I just love development. Yeah. Like, I love, like, the creative process. I want to be in the writer's room, but I also want to kind of oversee, like, just the entire production in terms of, like, story and where it's, like, end goal of where we're going and, like, the message that we want to put out. Stop looking at me. And I'm just, like, I feel like I'm talking to my dad. I'll be right here. I just, but yeah, I really want to be a creative producer.

That's so rare. This is us turned you away from acting. Oh, right. And just forced me into production. That's hilarious. You can run somebody's production company if you need somebody. No, yeah, please. No, it's start your own.

Wait, okay. You're well on your way. All right, so let's take it back to the beginning, right? Was this is us the first thing that you ever did? Ever did, yeah, 10 years old. I was like, I think I did a Target commercial before I did This Is Us. Yeah. And then it was, no, yeah, I was great, honestly.

And then I had like a giant pencil. It was great. And then it was straight to This Is Us. I love it. From a giant pencil to This Is Us. Yeah. Was it, how many auditions had you had prior? I have no idea.

I think it was like the first audition. And then I remember going in for the callback because Faith was sitting next to me during the callback. And my dad was like, talking to Donna, I was just like, oh, like, that'll be hilarious of, like, you guys are sisters. And then I was like, yeah, like, whatever. And then I go into my audition. I think I completely bombed it.

I just remember, like, messing up. And I'm just, like, forget it. Like, back to the next. No, yeah, that's the target. That's the commercial. She's going to take my giant pencil and get out of you. You brought it with you. Try to stick it behind her, Ian.

You're so funny. Like, what? Okay. I'm so dead. You're my favorite guest we've ever had so far. I'm so telling you. No. I'm so telling Niles that.

He's not going to believe it. Oh, my God. Okay, so, God, I don't even know what I was talking about. Okay, yeah. I bombed me. I think you were there. I think you were in the room. Clearly, you didn't bomb it.

You felt like you bombed it. I felt like I bombed it. I think you were there. I think we had not, I think we had an audition before. Maybe. I don't know. I don't know if you were in the room. But I remember my callback, Dan was in the room, some of like the producers were in the room.

Do you remember there being a football in the room? If there wasn't, he wasn't there. Okay, okay, okay. Okay, okay, then no, I don't remember they're being a football. Okay, okay, let on. So then I think I had, I think I had to have one more. Okay. And then I think that was it.

I'm going to say three. Did you ever get paired up with Faith? No. So they didn't have you read with anybody. They were just seeing all the test in any parts at the same time. Yeah. What scene did you have? was it just the soccer stuff?

Geez. I know, 10 years is hard to think back to. You can remember, you may not. I know. Don't even worry about it. Don't even worry about it. It's all good. I have a question though.

Let's go back to the beginning though. Okay. How did you know you wanted to be a performer at all? I just remember loving Disney movies. I remember just loving Princess Tiana. I was like, who is this black princess? Like, I saw her on screen. And I remember for Christmas,

So I told my parents, like, I want to be on the screen, like, Tiana. And then they were like, girl, go play with that Barbie doll and get out of my face. And I was like, okay. And then I remember, like, I was just asking, like, for Christmas for my birthday, like, I really want to act. And then my uncle was a director at the time. Oh, really? But he was a director. And then he was like, you should go to this acting coach.

And then my amazing acting coach, acting coach, D.D., she was like, here's your manager. Like, you need to go on auditions, get an agent. and I booked This Is Us like pretty fast. Yeah. After the Target commercial. After the target, yeah. Right. That was the primer.

That was the, I mean, that's a great primer. Jeez, Louise. It was so fast and I was like, and I don't think I realized what I was getting on to. I was just about to ask that. No, yeah, because it's like this giant NBC show and I'm 10 years old and I was just like, okay, like this is so fun. But by the way, you felt that way. Chris and I both felt that way too. Sterling had.

But you're Mandy Moore, and you were literally. Raponzo. Like, what? Like, in some of my favorite films, like, let's not. But I... Literally Mandy Moore. Literally, Mandy Moore. But what I mean is I had never done, like,

I had never done a television show before this, you guys. I mean, you had a bit of experience. You had a ton of experience. Vinny Chase. Well, but popping on to do a couple episodes of a show is not the same thing. So it's like, I felt like, for the most part, like there were, There were a good, healthy majority of us who were sort of like, whoa, this is new territory for us, too. Like, I think that's what kind of solidified and bonded our group in such a deep way. We were like, oh, we really all are on this journey together.

That's right. Yeah. Winning those ensemble awards. I think that there's like, for me, it was this idea that like this doesn't come along all the time. Like a story that feels so important to so many people that you can actually pour yourself into and feel like you're not just entertaining people, but giving something positive into the world at the same time. Sure. And as I was, I just turned 40 because I'm like four years older than Randall. And I was like, oh man, like what a gift to be given as I'm, you know, entering into this fourth decade of my life.

and everybody seemed so egosess. You know what I'm saying? Like there was, there was this, oh, man, you guys saw my poker face, but, and action. Like, everybody was so eageless and a willingness and wantingness for us to experience it together. Yeah. Like I remember, Manny, you would say, and I echo this feeling, like, every once in a while, people would get recognized from the show. And it would be wonderful.

If you got recognized as an individual, it's always a cool thing. But it's fun to show up when everybody gets to be together and where we're recognized as a whole. So when we got like those show nominations and stuff, like that, those two years at the actor awards, the SAG Awards, nothing better. Nothing better. Nothing better. Yeah.

Like frigging fantastic. Yeah. So, so yeah, it was pretty. And also, I was just going to say, like, I don't think, I don't think this has been done before, but when we got picked up for three more seasons, like off the bat, that's when I knew I was like, yeah, like, this TV thing's easy. No, no, no, but I was like, oh my God, like, this is like, this is crazy. And I just remember, like, everyone's reaction was just like, whoa, like, this is big.

And you don't really see that nowadays. Like, nowadays shows will get picked up for another season. Right. Or maybe two. But it's like three off the bad is insane. Yeah. We got picked up for the, we got picked up for the set. Did we get picked up for two and three at the same time?

Yes. And then we got picked up for four, five, and six. Yes. Yeah. Which is cool. Okay, wait, so what was it like for you on the show? What was it like for you moving through the world, being at school, et cetera? Like, did people respond to you differently at all?

Were they're haters? Where there are people giving you mad love? Like, what was it like? Yeah. School was so hard. Like, I grew up such an extrovert. Are you? What?

I think I grew up. An extrovert? What happened? Harris, no. I know what happened? Let's talk about it. Okay. I grew up such an extrovert.

I loved school. I love my friends. I love my teachers. And then I get to high school and they were like, oh, like, basically like they had to take, I was, instead of like being like, I don't want to like have like absent on my record, I would give them pink slips. Okay. So be like, like, I'm working. So, like, don't put absent on my record.

And, like, all up until high school, they would take that. And then when I got to high school, they were like, we're not taking that anymore. And I can't be absent every single day because then I'm not going to go to college. So I was, like, scrambling. And then my parents were like, we're going to have to. Was it an L-A-USD school? Yes. Yeah.

Yeah. So there's only a certain number of days before you become truant by the law. Yeah. Yeah. I was really, and I was like, and my parents like, we're going to have to take you out. And I was like, you're going to take who out? And then I was like, I don't want to go. I don't want to leave public school.

And then I had to go into a hybrid program. And that changed my life. And I think I just became an introvert low key. Like I had to go, I was only going into school. I just feel like something switched, though. I was only going to school maybe two or three times a week and I was on This Is Us the entire time, like for the other days. And I like like miss all of my friends. It was just and everybody there was like they're all their like crazy athletes who have like crazy schedules and their parents put them in a hybrid school or they were actors as well.

And it was just like everyone kind of had like an agenda. Like we're students but we're also working. We're also working. Yeah. But I was just like God like I want to be a kid. But anyway, it was really hard. And then we were on this as us. And then it was you have to do six hours of school, I believe.

Yeah. So yeah, like I just remember like it was it was set and then it was like I'm going straight to Miss Monique. I'm going straight to get my hours in. And that was always cool. And I just remember like being with Niles and being with faith and being in the score and being with lyric and we used to be getting on Miss Monique's nerves. And it was always so much fun. She loved you guys. I love, oh my guy, I still talk to her.

I love Miss Monique. She's wonderful. She's always like, how are you doing? And I'm like, girl, how are you doing? Oh, I love her. But, yeah, school was really hard. Once I, like, kind of had to leave school and do, like, two days a week. That was hard.

Do you feel like you're getting more of a normal experience now being in college that you missed out on in high school? Definitely. Happy you get that. No, yeah. I'm so thankful for college. Like, I'm so happy I went to college. It was never a question. Like, I was going to go to college, like, the way I was raised.

But I just love it. Like, I just love school. I've always loved school. And I'm doing what I love and I'm learning what I love. So it's just, it's just everything there. Many more. Did you have any, like, what was your high school situation? Yeah, extended studies.

Yeah, I got my GED. Okay. Gotcha. And I kind of had designs I'm wanting to go to school and then work just sort of happened and it got away from me. So I envy. I think it's so admirable that you are following your heart and following your wishes and the fact that like you always saw school in your future and you made that a

reality is so rad. Thank you. Yeah. Did people recognize you from the show? There are some people. I don't think like a lot of people my age, like I don't think they really watch this as us. Yeah. When I was, yeah.

But then like some always like it's always like a professor. Like I'm taking like a direct in the comedy class right now. And when I was directing like he stopped like it's like we're directing like live. And then he stopped me when I was. directing, like, my friends, and he was like, have you been an actor? He was like, because you direct as someone who's been an actor before. And I was like, I'm going to take that as a compliment, because that sounds like a compliment. It is.

I was like, I was like, I was like, that sounds good. And then I was like, but he didn't, like, explain what he meant. And then he was like, okay, continue. And you pulled out your SAG award. Oh, this. Oh, this. And your giant pencil. Maybe you recognize me.

From both of these things. From my Target commercial. Shout out to Target. Like, why is that? Sponsor at Target. At this point, might as well. But, yeah, he was like, oh, my God,

you're on this is that. So, like, my professors kind of know. Okay. There was one time where I was, like, walking, and this girl was kind of, like, following me. And I was like, girl, like, what's happening? And then she was like, were you on this and this? And I was like, mind you, were, like, walking to glass.

And I was like, yeah, girl, like, now I'm going to go to this 1230. Yeah. But, yeah, it's fun. Some people. That is hysterical. Yeah. Was there any memories that you have, or what do you remember most from just being on set, either work or just the people, like, what are the memories that you carry with you from the show?

I feel like I carry so many memories. I mean, the relationship between me, Lyric, and Faith have always been, like, really special. And I just remember, like, first meeting lyric and getting on her nerves and then getting on her last nerve. And then, like, just me being, like, obsessed, like, we're sisters. You really, like, like, Ayrs is, like, Chinese water torture. She's just going to keep staying there, and eventually, she's just like, okay, fine, let's go. No, because, like, and then she was just like, yeah, like, you're my sister.

And then, like, I just remember, like, the three of us, like, just getting along so well. I remember school a lot. Like, I just remember, like, me, Miss Monique, fractions. It sounds like you spent more time in school. No. School's big. School's big. School is big.

People don't realize we don't get much time between action and cut. There's not about it. Even when you have a lot of acting to do. And for the kids, like as soon as they finish, you have like that educator, that tutor is just like, all right, come on, let's go. And Ms. Monique was on. She was on it.

She's pulling me off. Pulling you guys out. She's like, are you done with her? You done with her? Five times nine. Yeah. Five times. Can you do it?

While you're on set, five times. Yeah, while you're on set, exactly. 45. She's just quizzing you. Wait, I was going to say it. Capital of Iowa. Just constantly clocking, clocking education. time. Second by second.

That relationship with your sisters, you guys got real close. Are you guys still communicate fairly often? I had one scene with you. I think I had like one just like one on one scene with you and I like was obsessed because I'm in the auditorium right. In the car.

That's right, that's right. Wait, did we have an auditorium scene? No, I was thinking of. That was everybody together. Yes, yes, yes. I never had scenes with you. No. I like put that in my contract like, don't you ever. No, no. I nothing with Chris Sullivan. Don't you ever put me in.

Very smart. I'd never had for you. But I just remember like when we like the few times when like we were on set together and the entire cast was there it would be lit. Like the energy would be high.

Yeah. Because you guys, I feel like all the adults were kind of like best friends. Yeah. And I just feel like it would always be like me lyric in faith being like, I wonder like what they're talking about. We were all keyed up

when we were like around each other. It was like this electricity to just like, oh, we're doing Thanksgiving. We're doing some, like, big holiday or something festive. And then it's Ken, like, coming up to me. I love Ken. Oh, my God. We love Ken. We love Ken.

When I saw him in Paradise, I was like, Ken. He's amazing. He's everything. But there's an energy that you bring. Like, let me just speak for, like, the Black Pearson's for a second. Shout out to the Black Pearson's all day, every day. Sue. Sue.

You guys remember Sue? You guys remember Sue? No, I didn't know. magical human. I don't remember. Like every time we were to get, like, it felt like family. Yeah. That's the show, right?

You know what I'm saying? But it was like, oh, this is our family. And you are a special part of that sauce because you are an electric human being. We were, you so electric. This is before I was an introvert. Do you remember like, we used to do that whole, ayo, like at the very beginning, like, and it would just be, me and you'd be like, oh, and you're like, eho, and it was dumb. Wait, that's so, yeah.

But we just had fun. Yeah. I remember filming a scene. I'll never forget this when I felt like, oh, this feels like a black family. When we were doing a scene in the living room and I was laying. And I think, I don't know who was directing. I think it was again. But I think he was like, okay, lay on the couch or like, be on the couch and like you just got home from school or something like that.

And then my shoes were on. Yeah. And I was and I was just like, oh, like, but I was so shy. I was like, I'm just going to do what I'm supposed to do. And I was like, I'm just going to put my shoes on the couch. And then, you know, action, okay, okay. And then Susan came in and she was like, take your. shoes off.

We don't, she was like, what black household is having shoes on the couch? What, what household in general? Yeah, I was like, no, no, we're a shoeless household over here. Especially your house. Can we, we'll talk about them. We are a shrewless household in life. I love me in these house. Okay.

But yeah, and I was like, oh wow, this is so, this just feels so right. And yeah, I don't know why that's a core memory. It's all good. Here's one that I have, and I want to know if you ever got sort of feedback because I know maybe not from young people. But I remember one time, and I said this on the show, I said, I was in the airport one time, and this black woman came up to me.

And she said, I did not have as much grace as you and Beth had when my daughter came out to me, but I saw how you guys dealt with it and I know I can do better. And so that storyline, just talk to us a little bit about like when they first presented it to you, like how you felt about it. And then like what it was like to actually sort of like, especially like the coming out to your parents. Yeah. Yeah. I'm trying to think of like when they first presented the idea to me because I remember it was like a pretty big deal.

And they like, I think they sat like me and my parents down. I think they actually talked to my parents first. Okay. And my think, oh yeah. Okay. I got it. So my parents sat me down at lunch one day. And they were like, hey, like Dan or someone like they came to us with the idea of like making test gay.

And like we want to know how you feel about that. and if you want to move forward. And I was like, I was like, yeah. I was like, wait, like, why not? I was just like, like, in my head, I was just like, sure. Like, yeah, like, finally, like, I want to do. Like, I want to, like, play someone that's like, that has like a, like, just like everyone's characters were just like, they were so strong.

And I was like, I want to like, I want to go for it. I want to do something. And I was like, why not? And I felt like I could make a difference. And I'm like 12, I think. And I was like, I'm going to make a difference with this. And I was like, no, yeah. I was just like.

I was like, I want to do something. And I just, I wasn't really thinking about myself, but I was like also just thinking about, I think I had like a couple friends that were gay at that time. And I was just like, yeah, I think it's cool. And I remember then I think Dan and them like sat me and my parents down and was just like, so we heard that you're cool with it. But like, we want to talk to you about it more. Sure, sure. Just so like, you know, you're 12. Like, let me know like what you're getting yourself into.

And then they were like, you're going to cut your hair. And that's when I was just like. Oh. Oh, you said gay? That was harder for you. That was so, I was like, oh, I'll play gay. And then they like cut your hair. But then also like super naive, you 12 year old, I was like, sure, yeah.

I'm like, I'm looking on Pinterest. I'm like, okay, Hallie Berry, she was black. She had, she had short hair. She looked good. Also gay. Knee along. I was like going through. Don't put that out there.

Don't. That'll make you lose a webbing. Never put that out there. I'm like going through all like the black. eye going. So I'm like short curly hair. They looked amazing. I was like, I was like, okay, you can come here. The second they cut my hair, I was like, I, I, I, like, I, like, the same thing. It was like, and Lyric had to do it on camera. She had to do it on camera. So I can't even like, I can't even imagine that. It was, it was hard hard. Because you had long hair, like,

all of your life. I had, I, I, and I loved my hair. I'm just like, I don't know, just like growing up, black girl, like my hair was everything. Yeah. So then, but you know, like I'm 12 and I'm looking at all these photos of like short curly hair and I'm looking at Hallie Berry and I'm like, well, I don't look like Hallie Barry, but sure I'll like, you know, get Hallie's hair style and I was like, okay, you can cut my hair. And then, yeah, that was really hard. I was really hard on me. Yeah. It's a tough age. It was to make a huge change like that.

And I started my freshman year of high school. With your short hair. With my short hair. And I was like, and I was like, oh. Oh my God. So you weren't feeling your cutest as you're going into like one of the most sort of like No. And this was-

Little parts of- This is before like the whole like pink slip thing. So I went to Redondo Union for like I want to say like at least like a month before I had to go hybrid. And I grew up like going to schools or Redonda. Like I loved it. All my friends are there. And I just remember starting school and Redondo Union is a big high school. And it's it's so big.

And I just remember like walking to class and like black girls had their braids and their curls. And I was just like, oh my gosh. Like, I want my braids back. Like, there are gay people with long hair, right? No, I was like, wait. Like, I don't like, oh. And then it was really hard. And I just, I did not feel beautiful, like, at all.

And I was like the one time my life where, like, I was like, my confidence was so bad, like, so bad. And my parents, like, you're so beautiful. Like, what do you talk? I was like, stop. Like, I was just like, it's so hard. Can you look back now? with like grace and see that you were stunning and it was, can you? No.

Like honestly, that's not my look. No, honestly, I was just like, looking back on like, this is us, like during that time, I just feel like it was just really, really special. And I'm happy that I did it because I just feel like I was like, probably like the only time my life where I was like, that was a really big risk for me. Like I was just like, cut my hair like, okay. And the fact that I just went for it and was just like, I don't know. I'm proud of myself for trying and for doing it.

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Check out Walmart.com to find a store near you. Hold on. So wait, but you didn't cut your hair immediately. You cut your hair later. Yeah. So this is because that's what looms large to you, which is hilarious, because what looms large to me, is me, you ensue in that scene.

Because you've already had a conversation with your uncle. And did you already, was it, did she have the scene with you before, too, before coming out to the parents? Everybody but, everybody, everybody, but. Definitely not me. Yeah. Except for you. Not you at all. Not even in consideration.

But like, what did you, did you surprise yourself in that scene with regards to like the emotion that sort of came out? Yeah. Or did you know that that. That was, not that you knew it was going to happen, but like, just tell me about it. Because I, because like you, you mailed it. You're remarkable in that scene. It's so beautiful. Yeah.

Yeah. What was it like? Honestly, I was so excited that day, but I was also so nervous because I was just like, I think there was just an expectation that I was kind of like, okay, like, you're going to have to kill it. Like, you're going to have to take it there. And I had never cried on camera before. And I remember going to you and being like, how do you get so emotional because

you be crying every episode. And I was just like, I was like, Sterling, how do you get so emotional? And I think that you were telling me, like, you told me a couple things. You're like, you can go back, like, at a time in your life where you were like sad or dad and you would like channel that. And then you're like, or is there a song? And I remember like my uncle had passed away. And I think it was Halo by Beyonce. And I listen to that song and I will break down into tears. And I just remember like thinking about my uncle and thinking about that song and also just thinking about like my friends who've been in similar positions and who haven't had like parents that were just like welcoming and just like just it was I was just thinking about just like the gay community but also

just like yeah just trying to like channel like emotions no trying to channel so many things and I think I was like and I hadn't like lived a lot like at that I was just like I wish there was like a point in my life where it was just like I was so sad but like I had to I don't think I lived enough to just to be able to really like go there. So I was nervous about that. I was like, I don't even know if I can do it. And then I just remember like Ken, I loved this. I love working with Ken because I think that he just like let me get there on my own.

Instead of like, instead of just like directing me every single time, like he just let me get there. And I just remember like the third take I was like hauling my eyes out. And it just felt so good. And then I just really just felt like I don't even. I don't even think I was ERIS anymore. I was just so into Tuss. Yeah. And I just remember, like, you and Susan, like, just, like, really taking me.

And it was just so proud of me. And it was a really, like, pretty moment. And, like, I just remember, yeah, the entire set. It was, like, it was really emotional. Like, and it was stop. Yeah, it was a real standout moment of the entire show. It was really, thank you. It was, yeah, it was really emotional.

And then I remember, Dan was an onset when we were doing that scene. And then, like, we took lunch or we took. something, it was like a really big thing that was happening that day and everybody was there. And then I remember like we were like getting food and you told Dan you were like, you weren't there today, but Arias did a great job on set today. And I was like my heart, I was like, oh, like, because that means everything like, I don't want to get emotional. When you guys, because I just look up to you guys so much, you, you too. No, no, no, no, no. I don't want to know. No, no, no, no. I don't need it. I look up to you guys so much. And also like I'm like a kid.

So I was like if the adults think I killed it, like, then I must have done like something good. And yeah, it was a great day. It was a great moment, yeah. I'm looking, we're in the storylines now with, who's your partner that? Alex. Alex. Sorry, I have like a whole different sort of association with the name Alex now. Oh, yeah, yeah. So I was like, you can't be out.

But I was like, no, it's Alex. Like, what was it like just this sort of. First of all, here's a question. Do you feel like you gave your parents a tough time as a teenager at all whatsoever? Yeah, absolutely. Did you really? My mom for sure, yeah. Yeah?

Yeah. How does it manifest? Like, don't go into details, but like, what was it like? Was it similar to, like, Tess and Beth? Yeah. Honestly, like, I think, yeah, a little bit. I think I was just, like, I think I was always, like, testing my mom. And my dad always says, like, you and your mom are so alike that that's why you guys clash.

Right. Yeah. So growing up, like, me and my mom would, like, I would always, like, go back and forth with and then, like, yeah, the teenage phase, that I guess, like, the stereotypical, like, teenage phase. But, yeah, I would say, I would say it was, honestly, like, was Tess and Susan? Was it that bad?

I'm trying to remember. I'm like, it was more like, okay, so. Testy teenager. Testy teenagers, like, she kept jacking up her pronouns. Oh, okay, yes, yes, yes. And then, like, there's this beautiful moment that they have where you don't see this. she has a conversation with her mom because Mama C comes and stays with us for a while.

And she talks about having to give up the ideas of the life that she thought you were going to have. The expectations. And she's like, you know, grandchildren and all this sort of thing. And I guess, like, I think I'm okay with it. Like, I don't feel like I'm – it reminds me of the conversation she had with Randall was like, am I homophobic? Am I? She's like, no, I don't think of that.

It's just that, like, you have these ideas and thoughts and hopes that you have to – eventually just sort of let go and let them live the life that they are living in front of you. You know what I'm saying? So and then she comes up and sort of has this moment with you. I don't know you probably don't even remember the scene but it was a good one. That's all. No, I'm like, as you're talking, it's like coming back to me. I'm like, oh my God, I haven't seen the show in years.

It's been so long. It's good. You'll like it. Did you watch it when it was on? Um, I think so because my mom, my dad knew like every, because she was all on set with me. But my mom, I never told her any details from set. So I would always watch it with her in real time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I'd watch it, yeah, yeah, yeah. Even my episodes? No, I kind of skip those. She was like, let me fast forward to this guy. You don't even gotta like see this like me. No, no, I get it. Like, no, I was the same.

I was the same. I was the same. You were the same with me? What's that? What? Me? No, not with you. With himself.

With your own stuff? I was there. I was there. I know this. Seen it. Lived it. Felt it. Nailed it.

Nailed it. Oh my God. Do you see yourself segueing back to acting at any point? That was good question. Yeah. I would love to. I would love to go back into acting.

I'm still like, I'm still auditioning. And it would be like so hard of just like not getting things. You're like, I would get close and it would be like in school is so hard with it. I mean, USC. is honestly, like, I think it's a good school to go to if you want to do that because there's so many actors there. So my professors are really understanding, but it's like, do you want to graduate late or do you want to like go back?

So it's just so hard. Yeah. To prioritize. It's so hard to prioritize. And because I really, and I'm so close. I'm a junior. I'm like, let me graduate. Like, I just want to graduate.

How did you get the PAing job on Paradise? Oh, I reached out to Dan. And I was like, hey, like, I really want to like, I want to just learn a set. like any job you can give me. And he was like, do you want to work as a PA? And I was like, I would love to. And I came on, I came on like a little bit later. Because I had to finish school.

So, yeah, I came. And I took a few months with them and I ended the season with them. And it was so fun. Do you think you'll do it again? Yeah. I mean, I think I'm going to do it again this year. Yeah. Okay.

It just depends if I get this internship or not. Right. Yeah. Monkey Paul? Monkey Paul. Gotcha. They haven't gone back to me. I'm like, please get back to me.

But I reached up. Yes, Jordan Peels. So I'm done. I really want to work at a film production company intern there. I did it one time and I absolutely loved it. And it was 10-0-Degendous company, 10 by 10. And it was an amazing company. And I loved it.

And I was like, okay, when I reached out, I did a lot. I was like trying to reach out to just every production company and I can. But yeah, if I don't get it, then I'll definitely end the season with you, like, for sure. Either way, I have, like, great options for the summer. You're hustling, man. Yeah. Like, that spirit is like cannot be stopped. Like, we'll probably all be working for you at some point in time.

That's what I'm thinking. That's what I'm thinking. A dream. Not you. I'm joking. Ew. Chris is like, I'll take a job. Is it?

I'll pay on your set. No, I need you to direct. Do you want to direct? What's that? Sure. He does want to direct. I feel like you're hilarious. Is this an offer right now?

Because it's on. Like, for sure. It's legally binding. because it's on camera. This is California. Verbal. Like, why? You need to direct

to, like, comedy, like, now. He's a very funny man. You're hilarious. He's a very funny. No, like, I'd watch anything you do, Chris. Yeah. Oh, look at that. Like, I'm being for real.

Like, sorry. Off the record. Did you? Don't put this on the podcast. Off the record. Cut this out. Yeah, it's out. Did you, you and Niles overlap a year?

Was his senior year your freshman year? Was he gone by the time you got there? When I was a freshman, he was a freshman, when he was a senior. So I saw him on campus, like, sometimes then he graduated, like, immediately. Was he nice to you or did he ignore you? No, he was so nice. I'm kidding.

He's so nice. He was so nice. I was like, I don't know you. I don't know you. No, yeah, he was great. I only saw him, like, a few times. He graduated, like, immediately. Tell me, because you said your mom and dad, we would, I would see your mom on set every

once in a while. You had a cousin or an aunt who was with you sometimes? Yeah, like my dad had to work sometimes. You and your dad's, but for the most part, Eric was the dude who was there. Everyone loves my dad. Your dad is dope. Yeah, everyone loves my dad. He's so cool, so much fun to hang out with, man.

Like, how's he doing? He's doing amazing. My dad is my best friend. No, like, that is my best friend. Yeah. He's everything to me. Yeah, so he's doing great. Yeah, my whole family, honestly, my mom, my sisters have three little sisters.

None of your sisters have followed. in your footsteps in terms of this, have they? So, Demi actually played young Annie. My youngest sister, there was like a flashback for Annie. And it was a small flashback where she was just had to like be on the swings. Okay. And I just remembered my mom being like, yeah, I got her that audition. And I was like, you got Demi, what?

I was like, what? And I was like, oh my God, is she going to get it? And my mom was like, duh. She was like, she's the cutest little kid. like why not and I was like second cutest Hello Hello

I'm right here I'm right You kill me Um like what Chris is Chris is never leaving No like you're never leaving This is our fourth

co-host This is what I need But yeah It was like She wants to go into acting She does And then I have a younger I have a younger sister

Harley, who was like an incredible soccer player, incredible. Okay. But she recently, like, joined the drama club, like, in her middle school. And she was, like, she was really into, and she's really enjoying theater. Okay. And I was like, but she's an athlete at heart. But I feel like she might, like venture into it for fun. Okay.

Yeah. Dig it. Did it, was it ever time? Like, did your dad enjoy being on set? I was wondering, like, like, set parents. Yeah. Do they like it? It's a sacrifice.

It's a big sacrifice. So I'm curious, is it, like, a fun thing? Or is it like, no, I love my time. kids, I'm here because my kid wants to do it. I mean, no one believes in me more than my parents. So, like, my dad, he left his job and, like, and just took it on as a full-time job to be with me every day. And he was very protective of the environment. And, you know, you do any research on this industry. And he's like, I'm going to be by your side 24-7. And he was just always there. And I think that, I think that he did really enjoy being there because we had a good set. We had a good crew. And my dad,

he's going to be friends with anyone and everyone. So he's like, he's talking to Susan. He's talking to Dan. He's talking to Ken. I'm like, where are you? Like, why? I'm like, why are you closer to Ken than me? I would be so jealous.

But he has his own relationship with everyone and with hair makeup and I'm just like, oh my gosh. But you know what that is? I feel like as a parent, he had a sense of comfort that you were protected, that you were okay. So he didn't have to just be like, oh. You were in good hand. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Yeah.

He really, like, trusted just like the cast and the crew. And he was still very protective. But I just think this is us were just, it was just a great, it was just a great environment. It's a great environment, especially for parents. Yeah. Especially, like, just like letting your kid just be like, you know what, you're good. Like, I'm going to go talk to everyone. Right.

I dig it. Yeah. I dig it. I agree. What else do we need to cover? What else? Are you guys, am I missing? When can we see your short film?

Um, well, we're still in post production. So, Jesus, Chris. I don't know how movies work. We're still, we're in post. So, like, the edit is about. Is it on your phone? I have a director's cut on my phone. Oh, I want to see.

That's like, but it's so raw. Like, it's like a temporary score. I don't want you to see it. Okay, I respect that. I can respect that, but you could show them the script. Yeah, I'll show you the script. Okay. I'll show you the script.

Okay, okay. I'll show you the script. I'm joking. They'll do a dramatic reading next episode. Grandma wins. I'm dead. The fact that you played a grandma is like, is like killing me. Like nuts.

They really had to like make it on you because you look like your mind. That's not true. You're like very kind of. No, like you look so good. Thank you, sweet friend. It's true. It really is. I'm good.

Y'all look. Can I just like talk about Mandy like for five seconds? Let me like, let me give me your flowers. No, like for 10 seconds. Let me look into the camera. Go ahead. That's you. Mandy Moore is one of the greatest actors in the world.

In the world. Her resume is absolutely insane. And I don't know. I don't know if this sounds like weird, but you're such like a woman to me. I agree. You're so kind and you're so elegant and you're so humble. And you don't have to be because you are that girl. And your resume is insane.

Can we clip this? I'm just going to put it on my phone so when I wake up and I'm having a bad day, I'm like, Aris believes in me. Like, I just, but I also feel like this is how everyone like thinks about you. Oh, Aris that really truly, truly means so much. I mean like everyone. Of course. Thank you.

I receive that and I appreciate it. Thank you. You're her. You're her. You were the cutest because you would do the sunset sometimes about whatever was happening in the world. Like whether it was like we had all gone to an award show and she was like that dress or if there was music out or something or. And like I just have all of these memories of you guys constantly doing dances and like TikToks and doing like funny things on set. Like you and Faith and Lyric were really thick as thieves in a way that like my kids were in their own way.

like Niles and Logan and Hannah had that, like, they were definitely siblings. And Parker and Lonnie and Mackenzie, to like a certain extent. Me and John Hortez. You and John Wartez. But you guys were above and beyond. Like, it was as if this was a sisterhood, like, match made in heaven. Like, you guys were meant to book this role to meet each other and be sort of seamlessly woven into each other's lives. 100%. And now Faith's going to college. Yeah. And like it's crazy. No, Faith is in college.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I'm just like, and it's amazing. I'm like, oh my God. Like, it's crazy when you guys like, wow, I feel old. Like, because now I'm like, why do I feel old that Faith is like coming to me asking me about USC? And I'm just like, I really do think I gained like two sisters. Yeah. You did. I did. That's the best part of our jobs that you could never sort of like predict, right? Like what's going to what's going to stick afterwards? And it's so nice. Like we have we have each other now with this podcast. That's pretty awesome. Yeah, it's amazing. We can get good referrals for LASIC. Exactly.

You know what I mean? Yeah. Guys, this has been Eris Baker. Thank you so much for joining. We wanted to get you in here for so long. Thank you. You are awesome. You got another year of school before she's out in the world

and she's going to be running production companies or having her own production company as a creative producer. Just don't forget about us. I know I'm going to forget about Sterling, but don't forget about Chris and myself. We want to come and work for you. I have a good question. I have a really good question. Sure.

Let's hear. Absolutely. That I just thought of. What do you think Tess would be doing right now? That's such a hard question. But a good one, right? It is a good one. Did you just think of that, like, just now?

Just now. Wow, that's insane. I want to answer that. I want to hear your answer. Wait, you already have an answer? No, I don't. I don't. But like, she's my daughter, so I'm curious.

You know, it's crazy. I have an answer for both Deja and Annie, but not to us. Really? Oh, well, wait, give the Dejana. Give the Dejana Annie. I think, well, Deja, well, wasn't that in the show? Like, didn't she, like, become a social worker? You become a social worker.

You become a social worker. Yeah. You should watch the show. It's great. No, no, no, no. You become a social worker. And Deja becomes a doctor. And Deja becomes a doctor.

Deja becomes a doctor. There's a rewatch podcast for this show. There's a rewatch podcast for this show called That Was Us, where members of the cast go back through the whole show. You could follow it, watch it, you love it. You learned so much. You learned so much about the show. But we don't know, we don't know what Annie is doing.

I feel like she'd become, like, someone, because I feel like Annie, her relationship with Ron was always, like, really special to me. I agree. So I feel like, I don't know, maybe like being a... With William, yeah, yeah, yeah. Being like a caretaker. Oh. Or also like... Or like, what's the doctor for...

I feel like she would be like a doctor, like for animals. Veterinarian. Yeah, I can see that. I don't know, she just, she was... Faith is just so, like, in her character. Just like... She's so gentle. So gentle. I'm just like, you would have like a job like that. I like that. But you have no idea what you think besides becoming a social worker.

Right. Which is what was in the script. Let's just throw that in the trash. But that doesn't mean, like, that could be later. There could be something that happens in the evolution of her. I just feel like she was really, like, I'm trying to just think of, like, she was so creative and she was just, like, taking risk. And I wouldn't be surprised if she was, like, I don't know, got into, like, just like a creative industry.

Well, here's something interesting. So do you know, have you, did you ever meet the young lady who played the older you? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. So Iantha is a series regular on Will Trent. Okay. Right? And she actually just directed her first episode of the show.

Yeah. And she is a dancer, like she's a dancer by Trayden and an actor as well. So I'm just saying, like, in terms of what you're trying to do and what she's doing in her career, it's kind of like interesting. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Wait, yeah. Yeah. And we also look identical. You guys look.

It's like scary. So much alike. Very much alike. That I don't even know if we were able to fool the audience. No, no. I told you that Taylor walked through and he had, I was watching the show and he wasn't. He was like, oh, it's test. That's Annie.

That's Dacia. Like he just, I was like, yeah. Yeah. Like, it's so. No, it's insane. It's insane. It's kind of crazy. And you playing like your younger self is like hilarious to me.

I'm like, you really like, you're doing it all. Well. 16 to 90. Listen. Like, they took that. I was telling me the other day, they're like, you wouldn't even have to do the makeup now. They could just AI your face. I'm like, oh, that's crazy.

I would like, I liked, it gave me the time to like. Can you do that? I don't know. Yeah, they can. I'm taking an AI in film class right now. Are the Irishmen? Yeah, but it doesn't look right yet. I agree.

I agree. I don't think it's perfected. Yeah. I agree. Like, it definitely needs to be innovated more. But the idea is like, is they, like, it's insane. And you need all that physical makeup. up to pull the joy out of your peeing, you know, that old people have lost, you know, like,

just that cake done stuff makes you so sad and not able to laugh about anything, you know? All right. I think. Harris is like, what happened? I like just in the camera. I had like an Abbott Elementary moment. You know. Here's my camera.

Do you want our listeners to be able to follow you on socials anywhere? Yeah. Sure. That's all the time we have. Thank you so much for being a guest on. That was us. Tell her where to follow you. You can follow me on Instagram at Eris Baker, E-R-I-S-Baker.

It's just IG, no talk, no. No, no, nothing. I know. I suck at being like a 20-year-old. I'm pretty much just on the ground. My hat's off to you for that. Don't even worry about it. It's perfect.

Better for your brain. Do us a favor, look into your camera, and will you please tell them the name? of the podcast. This is the That Was Us podcast. Yes. Baker, everybody. That Was Us is filmed at Rabbit Grin Studios and produced by Rabbit Grin Productions.

Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith. Da da da da da da-da-dum. That was us. That was a HeadGum podcast.