Naomi Baker Starred in Netflix Film Doing Life
The actress landed a lead role after director Tyler Perry reached out to her with a script.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Urban
Naomi Baker portrays the character Anika in the new Netflix film Doing Life. Director Tyler Perry offered her the role directly after watching her performance in the movie Hard Feelings.
Why it matters
This role marks a significant career milestone for the actress, who previously appeared in the TV series All American: Homecoming. Her career path has moved from her roots in Dayton, Ohio, to prominence in the Los Angeles entertainment industry.
Naomi Baker is a graduate of Northmont High School and The Ohio State University who relocated to Los Angeles four years ago. Her father, Mark Baker, is 56 and holds the 6th-place ranking in all-time assists at The Ohio State University.
The players
Naomi Baker
She is an actress who graduated from The Ohio State University and stars as Anika in the film Doing Life.
Tyler Perry
He is a prominent filmmaker who personally cast Naomi Baker in his latest production after viewing her work.
Mark Baker
He is a former basketball player who is the father of Naomi Baker and a former standout at The Ohio State University.
Tonya Baker
She is a gospel singer based in Dallas, Texas, and is the mother of Naomi Baker.
The details
Tyler Perry initiated contact with Baker by phone and sent the script via text to secure her for the project. Baker continues her career trajectory after relocating to the Los Angeles area in 2022.
Timeline
1987: Mark Baker helped win a state basketball championship.
1989-1992: Mark Baker played basketball at The Ohio State University.
2022: Naomi Baker relocated to Los Angeles.
October 2, 2026: The article regarding the film release was published.
Industry Dynamics
The rise of Netflix's original film distribution model has fundamentally changed how actors like Naomi Baker gain international exposure compared to traditional theatrical releases. This film's release follows the established pattern of major platforms bypassing traditional studios to launch rising talent.
Fans of the actress can watch her performance in Doing Life immediately through their existing Netflix subscription. The film is available to stream worldwide without the need for additional theatrical ticket purchases.
The takeaway
Naomi Baker's career trajectory underscores the importance of regional talent finding national success through streaming platform pipelines. Aspiring actors can see the value of maintaining a consistent body of work, as directors like Tyler Perry often monitor smaller projects for new casting opportunities.
Further reading
For more on the latest film projects, visit the Urban section.
