The final season of beloved ABC series This Is Us premiered on Jan. 4. Since its premiere in 2016, the cross-generational story of the Pearson family has captured many hearts, not to mention plenty of affection from critics. As the show presents its final chapter, LA Confidential caught up with Eris Baker, who plays Tess, daughter to Randall and Beth Pearson. She let us in on her favorite memories from set, what fans can look forward to and future ambitions.
We can’t believe This is Us is getting ready to premiere its final season. We know you can’t go into too much detail, but what can fans look forward to from Season 6?
Fans should look forward to getting a lot of their questions answered when it comes to multiple relationships on the show— Kate and Toby and, of course, Rebecca and Miguel.
And what about Tess’ storyline— how do you feel about the way her arc was wrapped up?
I think Tess is happy and I’m happy for her. We get to see the positive side of her relationship with Beth and also her relationship with her sisters.
View this post on Instagram
Out of all six seasons, what are you most proud of with your performance as Tess?
I’m proud that I took the time to learn about the community that she's a part of, which made Tess relatable, yet unique in a way.
You weren’t even a teenager when you started this role. What has it been like growing up on the set of a TV show that, in a way, is all about growing up?
Yeah, I was only 10. Being on this show has taught me so much! As you said, this is about growing up and making different life choices. I’m definitely leaving with a brighter and broader mindset than when I started.
See also: Check Out the Premiere Dates of the Best TV Shows Coming in 2022
On Instagram, you called This Is Us a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Can you tell us more about that?
It’s not every day that you get to work on a show with such a beautiful production. Everyone is so pure and loves what they do, which created such a positive environment for everyone involved. I’ve had so much fun on this show and I know it can be rare to be a part of a project like this where there is so much love.
View this post on Instagram
This is Us is an intensely loved show. It’s easy to gush about why it’s so wonderful, but to you, as someone part of its production, why do you think it’s so great?
I’ve always said that I think the show is successful because it sparks an important conversation that brings awareness to so many things. The amount of layers this show has is insane and it lets people in. The storylines in the show allow the audience to learn more about topics that they may need to learn more about or relate to something that they thought they were alone in.
Do you have a favorite memory from filming the final season?
We always have breakfast scenes in like every episode! So some of my favorite memories I’ve ever had are with Lyric, Faithe, Sterling and Susan in the Pearson kitchen. In between scenes, we would sing, dance and laugh to the point where we sometimes couldn't get through the following scene. We also just sat around that table talking about random stuff, like family.
What has been your biggest lesson about working in television that you’ve learned during your time on This is Us?
Probably to appreciate the moment while it’s there. Especially since it's our last season, I’m just trying to make those moments last.
And what about Tess— what has been the greatest lesson you learned playing her? She’s such a dynamic character.
That you can be completely fine one day and be an emotional wreck the next. And that's okay. She really just takes it day by day and I don't wanna say she is not affected by it because stuff definitely gets to her, but she knows how to overcome.
With the Pearson family story coming to an end, what projects are you looking forward to next?
Film is definitely something I’m looking forward to in the future. There are many aspects of this industry that I want to branch into. Acting isn't my only love, so I’m excited.
Photography by: Courtesy NBC/Persona PR
