Stressed, blessed, and Tess obsessed. That’s right, This Is Us fans: Eris Baker (she / her), who plays Tess Pearson, is here to discuss the show that’s made us ugly cry for the past 6 years—and is airing its final episode tonight.

After wiping away the tears, we reminisced about her audition, discussed the responsibility that comes with portraying an LGBTQ+ character, and fangirled about Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Zendaya.

How did you feel after landing the role of Tess?
I was shocked because I didn’t think I got the part. I messed up my lines at the audition and was not confident at all. So when my mom told me I got it, I was very excited and had no idea this was going to be a really big production. Even on my first day, I thought, “What did I get myself into?”

What are you going to miss most about playing Tess?
I’m going to miss being on this rollercoaster with her. She’s been through so much and I feel like I was holding her hand the whole time. She’s done some pretty bad things to her family members, but because I’m so connected with her, I’m like, “God, I still love her.” With flaws and all. I’ve known her for 6 years, so she’s forever going to be a part of me.

Do you think you’ll still be hanging out with the cast when the show is over?
No, I don’t like any of them [laughing]. I’m just kidding, I’m literally so close with my sisters [on the show]. I talk to Lyric Ross and Faithe Herman all the time. When it comes to the adults, I definitely think we’ll stay connected because they’ve taught me so much and have made such a huge impact on my life. Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Mandy Moore, producer Ken Olin, and so many other directors on the show.

Your character is a Black, LGBTQ+ woman. Did you ever feel any pressure portraying her?
Absolutely. I got so much anxiety from playing Tess because I wanted to represent her correctly. I did so much research and method acting. There are so many stories about people who’re Tess’ age coming out to their families, so I dived deep into that. Bringing my own fear, anxiety, and those individual stories into Tess is how I found what makes her story different.

Do you have any plans for the future? Or are you like, “I’m 16. I just want to chill for a second and hang with friends”?
When it comes to my career, there’s so many things I want to do. I definitely want to start producing and putting out my own work. TV has been such a good experience, but I’m excited to get into film a little more. And speaking of friends, I just saw Billie Eilish in concert with them.

That is so exciting! We just saw Olivia Rodrigo—
AHHH. I’m so jealous! I’m not going and I’ve never been more upset. My friend got the code for tickets, but it sold out in seconds.

It took us 4 people and a lot of manifestation to get them. So speaking of these amazing women, what was it like working with Zendaya on K.C. Undercover?
I was so young, and just really excited to meet her. I got a photo and it was the best experience of my life. I probably scared her [laughing], but I was really honored to talk to her and be on set. And when she followed me on Instagram, I ran a lap around my house. I was like, “Oh my God. What the heck just happened?!” I thought it was a prank, but no, it was real.

Okay, okay, one last Q about the show. How do you think fans are going to feel after seeing the final episode tonight?
Upset that it’s over, but I also think they’re going to be very pleased with the ending. The final episode… It’s just beautiful. I can’t say too much, but it’s definitely one of my favorites.