Malia Baker on Her Journey from Botswana to Disney Stardom

A Young Star’s Inspiring Rise in Hollywood

Malia Baker’s journey from Botswana to Disney stardom is a tale of determination, talent, and the unwavering support of her single mom. The young actress opens up about her early challenges, her breakthrough roles, and the incredible experience of working alongside her childhood idols, Brandy and Paolo Montalban.

From Botswana to the Big Screen

Malia Baker was born in Botswana, South Africa, and later moved to Vancouver, Canada. Her acting journey began with a minor but memorable role in the TV film “Hope at Christmas.” Reflecting on her debut, Baker recalls, “I was an extra. This one girl got a pink eye, and thank God she did, because I was chosen to fill in for her. And there I was, two lines in. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, thought it was gonna be my big break. It was not. But my kindergarten teacher came up to me afterward, and she said, ‘I saw you in the Hallmark movie,’ which was just so sweet.”

At just 17, Baker’s career was given a one-year ultimatum by her mom, who was balancing the demands of being a single parent. “I have a younger sister and we were both doing a ton of activities. The city was an hour away and that’s where all the auditions were held,” Baker explains. Despite the challenges, she remained determined, immersing herself in acting.

Breakthrough and Disney Stardom

Baker’s persistence paid off in 2020 when she landed the role of Mary Anne Spier in Netflix’s “The Baby-Sitters Club.” Her performance won her praise, and she reprised the role in the show’s second season in 2021. She continued to build her resume with roles in Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and Lifetime’s “Caught in His Web.”

Her most recent and notable role is in Disney+’s “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” Released on July 12, this musical fantasy film is the fourth installment in the “Descendants” franchise. Baker plays Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella (Brandy) and Prince Charming (Paolo Montalban). The movie’s star-studded cast includes Rita Ora, China Anne McClain, and more.

Describing her character, Baker says, “I played Chloe Charming. I’m the daughter of ‘Cinderella,’ played by Brandy, and Prince Charming, played by Paolo Montalban. She’s a people pleaser. She’s a perfectionist. She’s learning a lot about herself. She’s blue until the day she dies. She loves glitter and playing sports. She learns a lot throughout the entire film about who she is, and how she defines black and white and what’s good and what’s wrong. I think a lot of kids can look up to her because I know I have, as I’ve gotten to know her better over the years.”

Working with Idols

Baker couldn’t contain her excitement about working with Brandy. “She’s incredible. I was a huge fan going into it. Still am coming out of it,” she gushes. “It’s always a bit of a tedious, daunting idea of working with someone that you really, really, really admire because it can go so wrong so quickly, if you know that possibility is there. But she is everything you want her to be and more. She is the sweetest soul. She’s so nurturing. She was singing on set all the time. It was like going to a free Brandy concert every time. I can’t have anything to say, but the highest regards to her.”

Montalban also left a lasting impression on Baker. “I mean, all my castmates are so, so lovely. If I had to say anybody, keeping it in the family line, I’d say Paolo, who plays my dad. He is so sweet,” she shares. “He still DMs me. And he’s like, ‘You’re doing amazing. You’re really going to be the next role model for the five-year-olds.’ He comments on my posts and always hypes me up, which is just so lovely. He’s a theater nerd, and I am, too. So we’re able to talk about anything and everything.”