Malia Baker is a Botswanan–Canadian actress, born on December 18, 2006, in Africa. As she gains recognition for her acting roles, she has also dedicated herself to social and environmental causes — from gender-based violence to climate change to the Black Lives Matter movement.

She is a tremendously generous girl, and grateful for the opportunities she has had thus far. We are confident that her talent and personality will take her far in the acting business and that her fight will help position just causes within the entertainment industry.

How does a girl so young get to enjoy success without losing the connection with the experiences that are lived at your age?

I try to look at it through the "this is a once in a lifetime experience" perspective. Although perhaps I'm not getting the average teen experience of high school dances, I am getting the experience of exploring a passion that I get to wake up every day grateful to explore. I do get to experience regular tests and exams, though, which I would love to trade, but alas, it's all in a day's work, haha!

In the midst of all the work you have had, what things do you enjoy the most and the ones you enjoy the least that are part of the industry?

I enjoy learning new things every day, creating new connections, and sharing what I love to do. Overall, this is my actual dream job, so there are quite honestly only a few things I dislike about the industry. One of those dislikes, however are the early call times! It's a sacrifice I'm more than willing to make.

You are part of "Baby-Sitters Club" and "Are you afraid of the dark". How much is one experience different from the other in terms of acting and artistic demands?

The Baby-Sitter's Club is where I can explore comedy in various forms, and acting-wise, there is much more room to experiment. "Are You Afraid Of The Dark" was more of a thriller type show; there wasn't much comedy at all. I got to experience horror and the spooky aspect that was evident in the series firsthand. Both were challenging in their ways but were very different!

What are the features of Gabby and Mary Ann that you like the most as a woman?

I love how powerful and ambitious Gabby is. She truly does not let anything get in the way of her goals, and she will work harder than everyone else if that means reaching her ambitions. With Mary Anne, she is the old soul of the group. She puts absolutely everything into what she's working on, whether that's babysitting, hanging out with her friends, or trying to convince her dad to let her braids down. I also love how Mary Anne shows us a version of leadership that is courageous and determined but also kind. There are so many relatable and admirable qualities of these girls, which is part of the reason I loved portraying them so much.

Do you think series or movies can help generate a change in people?

I 100% think television and film can ignite change in people. The beauty of the genre is how you can normalize things in such a significant way by creating the inclusion you want to see. Normalizing equality, mental health, good relationships, and more through representation impacts how we view our real life and, in turn, how we act. Furthermore, when there's an accurate representation of where we are as a society today, such as showing the struggles humanity and our planet face, it can lead us to recognize what's going on and inspire us to want to make a change.

Some great actors are said to be really shy. How do you describe your personality?

I am a shy, introverted kid at heart, although that changes while I'm working. I think I also deserve the title of a bookworm, along with being artistic, an advocate, and caring.

Have you ever felt intimidated by working with actors who are already in the big leagues?

Oh yes, for sure, when you admire someone's career and can work alongside them, it can be intimidating. What I have grown to learn is that they eat, breathe, and sleep at the end of the day like me. Thus being able to work with them and learn from them is an accomplishment in itself. Meaning yes, you have lots to know if you want to get to where they are, but you also deserve to be there too.

What kinds of roles and topics would you like to address in the future as an actress?

I have yet to venture into many roles and genres in my time as an actor, alongside bucket lists of people I want to work with. I would love to be a part of a dark, witty comedy, but I will continue to be grateful for whatever opportunities come my way. I would love to incorporate topics I care about into my work on screen, such as racialized experiences, girl empowerment, youth mental health, and more.

And what would be the type of roles that you are not interested in playing?

I'm tired of seeing the helpless girl waiting for her Prince Charming trope. I think it's fairly overused and dated and would try to steer clear of those kinds of roles.

An inescapable topic when talking to you is the exciting work you have done to raise your voice in defense of those who need it. Where does this activism come from? Have you been touched by some of these social rejection themes?

Certainly, my passion comes from my personal experiences as a youth who has experienced racism, deals with mental health needs, and who constantly is underestimated or treated less than because I am a girl. However, I also think a large part of my activism comes from my gratitude for where I am in my life. I am a girl who lives with relative freedom and safety, can go to school, have access to clean water and food, shelter, a loving family, and so much more. I feel very fortunate for my privilege and have been able to create a chair for myself at the table. I don't take that for granted, which means I am keenly aware of the people who aren't (yet) able to be there with me, so I feel it is my responsibility to use my voice and my platform for the betterment of others.

Tell us about the #Hashtagsand community that you have created with your mom. What is it about and what do you aspire for it to become?

#Hashtagsand was a community my mum and I have thought and cared about for a long time now. I continuously think about our need to go beyond the hashtag actually to create change to beyond spreading awareness ---it can be accompanied by doing more. I also realized that perhaps doing the research yourself on how to help can be overwhelming, so in an attempt to help make it easy to educate yourself and take action, my mum and I created #Hashtagsand. I hope more people will find it helpful in making even just a slight bit of change and that it is an easy resource for all. It is an ongoing and unfolding passion project of ours, so we will continue to evolve as we do! All resources can be found here: https://msha.ke/hashtagsand or on Instagram @hashtagsand

Let's do a round of quick & crazy questions to have a bit of fun

What superpower would you like to have? Ooh control over the mind for sure. That, or the ability to fly because who wouldn't want to do that.

What would you do if you win the lottery? I would keep some money for myself to put towards life goals like university, owning a home, savings, and retirement. I would help my family with any of their troubles, and with the excess, I would put it towards causes and issues close to my heart. I am a very practical Mary Anne, in other words!

What actors would you put together to be your parents in your autobiographic movie? Such a hard question, oh my gawd! I would put Jennifer Lawrence as my mum and Michael B Jordan as dad.

With what celebrity you would like to have a friendship?Zendaya and Storm Reid for sure. I would like to implant a little sister role!

If you could be the best in the world for something, what would it be? Talking about Shrek for hours on end. Either the best or a close runner-up.

If you could make a rule and have everyone follow it for one day, what would it be? I think I would make everyone only serve dessert for one day, to make my 10-year-old Malia happy.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mariana González – Venezuelan journalist.
I am interested in novelty, talent and creativity. I put my lyrics at the service of those who genuinely strive to build an alternate narrative about the common and humdrum. Rival Magazine has been the open window to put a face on emerging talent.

MALIA BAKER “I FEEL IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO USE MY VOICE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OTHERS”

©WAV RECORDS • POWERED BY SQUARESPACE