Let’s be real: Wellsbury is a literal dumpster fire of secrets, murder, and high-stakes teen drama. Between Georgia Miller hiding bodies in her garden and Ginny’s constant identity crises, it’s easy to overlook the guy just trying to have a quiet family dinner.
I’m talking about Clint Baker.
He is, without a doubt, the most grounded person in the entire zip code. While everyone else is spiraling, Clint is just... there. Being a great dad. Making jokes. Serving as the actual moral compass of the show. Honestly, Clint Baker in Ginny and Georgia is the breath of fresh air we didn't know we needed.
Who is Clint Baker?
For those who need a quick refresher, Clint is the husband of the chaotic (but lovable) Ellen Baker and the father of the twins, Max and Marcus. He is played by Chris Kenopic, an actor who is actually Deaf in real life. This isn't just a "fun fact"; it’s central to why the Baker family feels so much more authentic than your typical TV household.
The Bakers don't treat Clint’s deafness as a "plot point" or a tragic hurdle. It just is. You see the family fluidly moving between spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL) like it’s second nature. Max can be screaming about her latest crush and Marcus can be brooding in the corner, but they both stop to sign to their dad. It’s effortless.
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The Man Behind the Character
Chris Kenopic is a legend in the Canadian Deaf community. Before he was Wellsbury’s favorite dad, he was the CEO of the Canadian Hearing Society. He’s spent his life advocating for accessibility and ASL awareness. When you see him on screen, you aren't seeing an actor "trying" to look like he uses ASL; you’re seeing a man whose native language is being given the spotlight it deserves on a global platform like Netflix.
The Best Dad in Wellsbury?
Most of the parents in this show are, frankly, a mess. Georgia is a literal fugitive. Paul is a politician (enough said). Zion is rarely around. Then you have Clint.
Clint has this quiet strength. Remember the scene where Max is freaking out because she’s playing the "villain" in the school play? He doesn't just dismiss her. He sits her down and actually listens, eventually helping her see the depth in the role. He’s the one who notices when Marcus starts slipping into a depressive episode in Season 2 before almost anyone else.
He’s observant. Maybe it’s because he isn't constantly talking over people.
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A Marriage That Actually Works
The chemistry between Clint and Ellen (Jennifer Robertson) is goals. Most TV marriages are built on infidelity or resentment. Clint and Ellen? They actually seem to like each other.
- They smoke weed together in the backyard to decompress.
- They joke about how "handsome" other people are (remember the Zion dinner?).
- They back each other up when the kids are acting like, well, teenagers.
It’s refreshing to see a healthy, long-term relationship where the partners are still flirting and having fun. It makes the Baker house feel like a safe haven compared to the Miller household, where everything feels like it’s made of glass.
Why Representation Like This Matters
In the past, Hollywood had a bad habit of casting hearing actors to play Deaf characters. It was clunky. It felt "performed." By casting Kenopic, Ginny and Georgia avoided all those cringey pitfalls.
The show also highlights the "CODA" (Children of Deaf Adults) experience through Max and Marcus. They aren't perfect kids, but their relationship with their father is deeply respectful. You see the little things—like Marcus waving his hands to "clap" in ASL for Ginny during her poem. It shows a level of cultural immersion that you just don't get without an authentic actor in the role.
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What Most People Get Wrong
Some viewers think Clint is "passive" because he doesn't scream at his kids like Ellen does. But that’s a total misunderstanding of his character. Clint isn't passive; he’s intentional. He chooses his battles.
When Marcus is struggling with his mental health, Clint doesn't go for the "tough love" approach that often backfires with teenagers. He offers a hand on the shoulder. He offers presence. In a world as loud as Wellsbury, Clint’s silence is his superpower.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're as obsessed with the Baker family dynamics as I am, here’s how to appreciate the character even more on your next rewatch:
- Watch the ASL nuance: Notice how the signs change based on the character's mood. Max signs fast and erratically when she's mad; Marcus is much more fluid and subtle.
- Look for the "Clint Clues": Watch Clint’s eyes during group scenes. He is often the first to notice a secret being kept because he’s constantly scanning the room for visual cues.
- Support Deaf Creators: Follow Chris Kenopic and other Deaf actors who are pushing for better representation in media.
Clint Baker might not have a body count or a secret past in New Orleans, but he’s the anchor that keeps the show from drifting too far into "soap opera" territory. We need more Clints on TV. Honestly.
Keep an eye out for more of his "dad jokes" in Season 3—because if there's one thing we know for sure, it's that the Bakers are the only thing keeping that town sane.