Amanda Baker only played the role of All My Children's Babe Carey Chandler for a short year, but she managed to pack quite a punch in those twelve months, including winning the hearts of daytime fans and holding her own in scenes with some of the most iconic soap opera actors in history. She's more recently been appearing as the recurring character of Rebecca Larsen in the DC Comics series Black Lightning, where she's once again proving that with just a little bit of screen time, she can give fans a whole lot to love.
In celebration of her Black Lightning role and to take a walk down All My Children memory lane, Soap Central got in touch with Baker for an interview on all things Pine Valley -- including what it was like to work with legends like Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane) and the late David Canary (ex-Adam Chandler).
Soap Central: How are you handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and how have you been spending your days since the stay-at-home orders took place? It looks like you're getting lots of family time!
Amanda Baker: We have had tons of family time! [Laughs] I'm homeschooling my son and making sure he doesn't fall behind, since he's out of school for the rest of the year. I've also had Zoom calls with friends and a lot of FaceTime calls with my family. That definitely helps you stay connected in this time of separation.
Soap Central: Fans were super excited to see you in the recent season finale of the CW's Black Lightning. Will you be reprising the role of Rebecca Larsen for season four?
Baker: I do hope they will have Rebecca show back up. She is the resident reporter for Freeland, so we will see what happens!
Soap Central: What was it like to step into the shoes of Rebecca?
Baker: It's funny because I have had family members tell me for years that I should have been a news reporter of some kind, so stepping into the role of Rebecca Larsen was a bit ironic. She is serious, but there is a side to her that is also playful and sassy.
Soap Central: What is your favorite thing about being part of the DC Comics world?
Baker: My husband grew up reading comics and loves to watch stuff about superheroes, so it was cool to be a part of a show that I know a lot of people are fans of. The storylines are crazy, and you never know what to expect!
Soap Central: Would you say that comic book fans and soap opera fans are pretty similar in terms of their passion and love for the genre?
Baker: Oh, for sure! The fans are super loyal and know anything and everything about the characters. They definitely have a lot of similarities.
Soap Central: What do you remember about your first day at All My Children?
Baker: I just remember I was very nervous and excited at the same time. It was my first day and [original portrayer] Alexa Havins' last day, and we were filming the scene where we switched characters mid-hug. So surreal! Bobbie Eakes [ex-Krystal Carey] was so great. She really took me under her wing.
Soap Central: You were in a big storyline with Melissa Claire Egan, who played Annie, and Billy Miller, who played Richie. What was it like working with them? They're both majorly popular soap stars now!
Baker: It was awesome! [They're both] terrific actors, and it's so cool to watch how far they have come.
Soap Central: Was there anyone you were intimidated to work with? There were some big stars on AMC.
Baker: For sure Susan Lucci and David Canary! I mean, they had been on the show since the beginning, so it was a bit intimidating. But they were both such professionals and always on top of their game. David was such a sweetheart. And Michael Knight [ex-Tad Martin, AMC; Martin Gray, General Hospital] was so hilarious. He also liked to play around with the script and improvise, so you never quite knew what he was going to say. Such terrific actors!
Soap Central: What was your favorite thing about playing Babe?
Baker: She played many roles, and I loved how versatile she was. She was a mother, businesswoman, friend, daughter, and sometimes wife! [Laughs] I loved playing all of those different sides to her, especially the scenes with Jacob Young [ex-J.R. Chandler]. You never knew if we were fighting or making up! We had great chemistry, and I think it really showed on-screen.
Soap Central: Is there anything you'd go back and change, if you could?
Baker: You know, that's hard to say because I believe everything happens for a reason. So, I don't think I would. It was a fantastic experience.
Soap Central: If the opportunity arose, would you take on another soap opera role?
Baker: I did love working on a soap, and if the opportunity arose, I would definitely consider it. I love how you are working in one location and you really get to develop close bonds and friendships with people. Plus, the storylines are always crazy and unexpected!
Soap Central: You live in Tennessee, right? Do you ever miss being in the crazy world of NY and L.A., or are you happier living a quieter life, not so much in the spotlight?
Baker: I do miss certain aspects of it, for sure, but I am from South Carolina, so living in Nashville is definitely more my speed. I have two kids now, and I feel that this is the perfect environment for them, with plenty of space and with family closer to us.
Soap Central: Do you still get stopped on the street by fans who recognize you?
Baker: It's funny because I feel like you get recognized more in L.A. and New York. If I go to the mall, people are more inclined to walk up and say something or say that they recognize me from somewhere. [Laughs]
Soap Central: Do you have any other upcoming projects you'd like to let fans know about, or would you like to add anything that I didn't ask you about?
Baker: Right now, things have slowed down if not come to a halt because of what's going on in the world, so there isn't anything coming up, as of yet. I've auditioned for a few things that are slated to film over the summer in Atlanta, so we will see what happens!
Baker played the role of AMC's Babe from October 2007 to October 2008, returning for a couple of scenes in the summer of 2009. Her first soap role was playing Jolene Crowell on General Hospital and General Hospital: Night Shift in 2007. Some of her other credits include Parenthood and We Are Men.
What are some of your favorite memories from Amanda Baker's time as AMC's Babe? Have you seen the actress in the CW's Black Lightning? If so, what are your thoughts? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
