Leigh-Allyn Baker just knew her life's path would take her into the entertainment business. “I always grew up knowing exactly what I was meant to do and much to my parents’ horror, that was being an actress," says Baker. And now, years into a prolific career, she says what drives her has evolved. “What keeps me interested now is that my role has moved beyond just acting. It’s in writing, producing, and directing.”
Born in Murray, Kentucky, Baker’s first acting role was in Alice in Wonderland at the young age of six. She auditioned for her first TV pilot at 21 and went on to earn her acting chops with roles in many films and TV shows, including Will & Grace and Charmed before stepping into a defining role as the loving but somewhat self-centered mother, Amy Duncan, on Good Luck Charlie from 2010-2014.
Her taste in roles is eclectic. Reflecting on a favorite, Baker says,“I really liked the role of Liz in Bad Hair Day that I did. She was similar to both sides of me, one that’s really rough and tumble and one that’s really feminine and girly.”
But the move from actor to creator was intentional. With production credits and writing in her portfolio, she says her standards have changed.“I have higher standards now. I have a family. I’m not going to waste my time on the crap that fills television these days. If it doesn’t have a moral compass, if it isn’t family-forward where everyone in the family can watch, the odds of me doing it are pretty small."
Her latest project, A Week Away: The Series, a seven-episode series based on the feature film by the same name, is a definitive move in that direction. Distributed by Angel Studios, a company that champions value-based stories, Baker was a natural fit. “I play Karla, whose father owned the camp," she says. "Her father has recently passed away, and so now she’s there to make sure that the money is allocated properly and that the camp is successful. What drew me to this role was the fact that she’s not the good guy. And how do you make someone who really does some things that are not very nice - how do you make her likable? You have to make her human.”
She adds, “You find the humanity of their story and you make sure that every action that you take comes from that place."
Away from the bright lights of acting, Baker’s life is beautifully rooted in Franklin, having moved her nearly five years ago. “I love everything about here. My new theme song that I play for myself in my head all the time is faith, family, Franklin. I just love the heart of Franklin and everyone in it who is so gracious and kind. I’m so grateful for friends and family and the support that I’ve gotten from the entire Franklin community. I’ll never forget when I first moved here. A woman at the grocery store said, ‘Do you mind if I pray for you?’ And I was astounded that she was going to actually pray for me and take time out of her day to wish me and my family well. So the whole spirit behind Franklin, the community, the quaint aspects of the downtown, the coffee shops, the churches on every corner, and the people are what make Franklin so special.”
The mother of two also leans into fashion as part of her creative self. "My go-to looks are a suit," Baker says. "I rock a suit. I love a good tailored suit. And honestly, the more manly the suit looks, the more I rock it. I think because I’m so feminine, the juxtaposition between the feminine and masculine is what I’m drawn to.”
But she also likes to indulge her glam side. “And then I love a good red carpet glam look," she adds. "I love formal gowns. But at the end of the day, I’m rocking jeans and a sweatshirt with platform fuzzy shoes most of the time.”
What's next for Baker? While her life is quieter and more grounded, she still continues to pursue her passion and has a few projects lined up.“Currently, I’m writing a comedy for Angel that is about my life story, or let’s just say loosely based on my life story of giving up the red carpets of Hollywood in exchange for potluck dinners in Franklin, Tennessee.”
When asked if she hosts the potlucks, she laughs, “I just bring a dish and hope for the best and hope everybody else’s is better than mine, to be honest.”
When pressed on whether she's a good cook, Baker confesses, “I try to be, but alas, at the end of the day, when all else fails, I order Burger Up."
Leigh-Allyn Baker’s story is one of evolution. From child-actor to sitcom star, creator, mother, Franklin resident, she is doing things her way. For fans who know her and remember her as Amy Duncan, and for newcomers who will discover her as Karla, or as the creator behind future storylines, Baker brings her humanity to everything she's a part of, both on camera and off.
@l_a_baker_13
“You find the humanity of their story and you make sure that every action that you take comes from that place."
"I just love the heart of Franklin and everyone in it who is so gracious and kind."