You probably recognize her as Tess Pearson, the girl who grew up right in front of our eyes on This Is Us. But honestly, if you think that’s the only thing Eris Baker has done, you're missing out on a serious career trajectory. Most child stars peak early and then sort of fade into the background. Eris? She’s doing the opposite.
She’s building a resume that feels intentional. It’s not just about being on a hit show; it’s about the specific eris baker movies and tv shows that showcase a range most adult actors would kill for.
The Breakthrough: Why Tess Pearson Mattered
Let’s get the big one out of the way. This Is Us wasn’t just a job for Eris Baker. It was a masterclass.
Starting at age 10, she played Tess, the eldest daughter of Randall and Beth Pearson. While the show was famous for making everyone cry every Tuesday night, Eris was doing some heavy lifting in the background. She wasn’t just a "prop" child.
The writers gave her a massive storyline when Tess came out as queer. Eris handled it with such a quiet, realistic vulnerability. She actually did her own research, talking to LGBTQ+ youth of color to make sure she wasn't just "acting" a trope. She wanted it to feel real.
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And it worked. She bagged two Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble and picked up an NAACP Image Award nomination. Not bad for someone who was still navigating middle school while filming.
The Audition Story No One Forgets
There’s this hilarious (and kind of heartbreaking) story about her audition. She actually thought she bombed it. Eris once told People that she "cried to death" after the callback because they kept making her do the scene over and over. She thought they hated her performance.
In reality? They just wanted to see if she could take direction. Her parents actually waited until Christmas morning to tell her she got the part. Talk about the best gift ever.
Eris Baker Movies and TV Shows: The Full List
If you're looking for a checklist of where else you've seen her, the list is growing. She hasn't done fifty movies yet, but the ones she picks usually have something to say.
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Television Credits:
- This Is Us (2016–2022): Her most iconic role as Tess Pearson.
- K.C. Undercover (2017–2018): She had a guest spot as Diane. Working on a Disney set is basically a rite of passage for young actors in LA.
- Drunk History (2018): She appeared in the "Game Changers" episode. If you haven't seen her in this, go find it—it shows a much more comedic side than the Pearson family drama.
- Alexa & Katie (2018): A quick appearance in the episode "The Play," continuing her streak of being in shows that actually mean something to teen audiences.
Film and Shorts:
- A Real One (2023): This is a big one. It’s a short film directed by Zee Ntuli that hit the festival circuit (including Dances With Films). It’s a gritty, beautiful look at friendship in the South Side of Chicago.
- Cherry Lemonade (2019): Another short where she plays Phoenix, a girl trying to survive a hot summer day in a tough neighborhood.
- Dispel (2019): A fantasy short where she plays Lizzie. It’s got monsters and family trauma, and Eris carries the emotional weight of it effortlessly.
More Than Just an Actress
What’s wild is that Eris didn’t take the "Hollywood kid" route. While most of her peers were being tutored on trailers, she actually stayed in public school for a long time. She wanted that "regular person" experience.
She’s also a massive fashion geek. If you follow her on Instagram, you know her red carpet game is basically untouchable. She treats clothes like art, which is probably why she’s become a front-row fixture at fashion weeks.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People assume she’s just a "drama kid." Because This Is Us was so heavy, there’s a misconception that she only does the "sad daughter" role.
But look at A Real One or her guest spots in comedies. She’s got timing. She’s got edge.
The industry is currently watching to see what her first "adult" lead role will be. Now that we’re in 2026, she’s moved past the child-star phase and into that territory where she can lead a series herself. She’s mentioned in interviews that she wants to write and produce, too.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you want to keep up with what’s next for Eris, don't just wait for a Netflix notification.
- Watch the Shorts: Most people skip short films. Don’t. A Real One and Cherry Lemonade are where you see her real acting chops away from the "NBC polish."
- Follow the Fashion: Her career is expanding into the style world. She’s often at events for brands like Ernest W. Baker (no relation, just a cool coincidence) and major houses in Paris.
- Check Festival Lineups: Eris seems to prefer indie projects that challenge her. Keep an eye on Sundance or SXSW announcements for 2026 and 2027.
The "Tess Pearson" era was just the introduction. Eris Baker is clearly playing the long game. She isn't rushing into every blockbuster script that lands on her desk, and that's exactly why her career is going to last.
To see her most recent work, start by tracking down A Real One on the festival streaming circuits—it’s the best evidence of where she’s headed next.