Naomi Baker, a Dayton, Ohio native and graduate of Northmont High School and The Ohio State University, has reached a major milestone in her acting career with a starring role in Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Doing Life.
The film is now streaming on Netflix, with Baker playing Anika, a single mother who develops an unexpected connection with an ex-convict.
For Baker, the role represents her biggest acting opportunity since moving to Los Angeles four years ago. She has previously appeared in projects including the television series All American: Homecoming.
Tyler Perry Personally Reached Out to Naomi Baker
Baker’s path to Doing Life took an unexpected turn when Tyler Perry became familiar with her work.
Perry had reportedly seen a screener of Baker’s then-unreleased project Hard Feelings. Impressed by her performance, he contacted her directly and sent her the script for his new project.
Baker later described the surprising exchange in a TikTok video.
According to Baker, Perry introduced himself and told her:
“Hi, I’m Tyler Perry. I’m a fan of your work. I’m working on a script right now and I think you’d be perfect for it.”
He then offered to send her the script and asked her to share her thoughts.
Baker admitted that she was so surprised to receive a personal call from the filmmaker that she could barely remember what she said afterward.
She described Perry as a “legend” and said she felt honoured and grateful for the opportunity to speak with him.
Naomi Baker’s Family Encouraged Her Acting Dreams
Baker’s parents, Mark Baker and Tonya Baker, recognised her artistic potential from an early age and encouraged her to pursue acting and modelling.
Tonya, a celebrated gospel singer based in Dallas, said the family always supported Naomi’s ambitions while also preparing her for the difficulties of building a career in entertainment.
She explained that they warned Naomi that the industry would be highly competitive and that rejection would be part of the journey.
The family encouraged her to develop resilience and understand that professional rejection does not necessarily reflect a person’s worth or talent.
Mark Baker Proud of His Daughter’s Breakthrough
Naomi’s father, Mark Baker, is a well-known figure in Dayton basketball.
He said he was particularly proud to see his daughter reach such an important point in her career and praised the determination she has shown along the way.
“Like any parent, I’m happy to see Naomi healthy, whole and just walking in her purpose and what she feels God is calling her to do,” Mark said.
He also expressed gratitude that Naomi’s latest project gave her the opportunity to work with Tyler Perry.
“I’m a super proud father,” he added.
For Mark and Tonya, Naomi’s success is not simply about landing a major role. They see it as the result of years of persistence, preparation and faith.
Tonya said Naomi’s determination means she is not surprised by the breakthrough.
“It does not surprise me at all,” she said. “She’s tenacious.”
She added that she was happy to see her daughter’s dreams taking shape and believed Doing Life could be the beginning of many more opportunities.
From Dayton Basketball to a Daughter’s Hollywood Career
While Naomi Baker is now making her mark in entertainment, her father’s own career has been closely associated with Dayton basketball.
Mark Baker, 56, starred at Dunbar High School, where he became an All-American and played an important role in the school’s 1987 Class AAA state championship.
He later played college basketball at Ohio State from 1989 to 1992, helping the Buckeyes win two Big Ten championships. He remains among Ohio State’s all-time assist leaders and also had a brief NBA career.
Baker later coached the Dayton Jets of the International Basketball League.
Mark Baker Reflects on How Basketball Has Changed
Looking at today’s generation of basketball players, Mark believes the business side of professional and amateur sports has changed the way athletes approach the game.
He recalled a time when players were largely motivated by their love of basketball and regularly played through injuries.
Today, he said, athletes face different considerations, including financial incentives, workload management and career decisions.
Despite the changes, Baker remains grateful for what basketball gave him.
He said growing up in Dayton and building a career through basketball helped him develop a broader understanding of the world and gave him opportunities he might never have imagined as a young player.
That perspective also informs how he views Naomi’s acting journey.
For the Baker family, her starring role in Doing Life represents another example of a young person from Dayton pursuing an ambitious dream and turning years of hard work into a global opportunity.
