In Her Campus’s series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview talent Gen Z loves about what it’s like to rule over pop culture. This month, actress Bailey Tippen is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
Bailey Tippen always knew she wanted to be an actress. As a kid, she was writing stories, making movies on iMovie, and putting together shows for her friends and family. “I love the whole production of the arts — creating something from the minute the thought comes into your mind, and you’re writing it down and trying to relate these characters to people in real life, to when it’s time to perform it and to share with everybody,” she tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. Starting her professional acting career at just 7 years old, Tippen has spent most of her life pursuing the career she’s wanted since then. Today, she’s “living [the] dream every day that I wake up.”
Tippen’s earliest acting memories help keep her on the path of that dream. “I always revert back to my younger self to make sure I’m on track,” she says. “I think my younger self would definitely be proud of how far we’ve come and the accomplishments that we’ve made so far — and I think she would be very proud that I stayed on my path and just focused on my journey.”
For Tippen, part of that dream started with watching Disney Channel shows like Hannah Montana. Seeing kids and teenagers like her gave her a sense of representation, and made her want to create that same feeling for other people. “Any kid that’s watching those shows can just see themselves on the screen and really resonate,” she says. “I knew that this is something I wanted to do because in that moment I felt that I was represented, and I think that’s an amazing feeling.”
Tippen has truly grown up in the industry, from childhood roles like Naomi in The Watsons Go to Birmingham to more mature roles like Tina in Black Mafia Family, Megan in The First Wives Club, and Sylvie in Beauty in Black. As she’s gotten older, Tippen’s approach to acting has changed with her. “The beautiful part about acting is that it’s a craft,” Tippen says. “It’s about your experiences, your emotions, and then as you mature and get older, you have more experiences that you can share and relate with people on.”
Playing Sylvie gave Tippen the chance to find some of those connections within a character who experienced a lot at a young age. While their lives may be different, Tippen can see some of herself in Sylvie. “She can be soft but still strong, stand firm in what she believes in, and is very focused on her dreams and passions as well,” she says. “I definitely relate to her in those ways.”
As Tippen continues to add to her resume, she’s not looking to play it safe. “That’s the beauty of this craft — pushing yourself and finding new ways to challenge yourself as an artist,” she says. “I feel very grateful to be able to do different characters and find ways to connect to them and their stories and what they’re going through. It’s such a blessing to be able to wear many hats.”
Tippen’s latest project, the Paramount+ mystery drama Route 187, is another opportunity for Tippen to explore a new kind of story. The series is centered around a community dealing with the murders of a bus driver and high school student, and an investigation into the disappearances of local Black women. For Tippen, the story was something she felt she had to be a part of. “It is a raw and real story. It’s nitty gritty,” she says. “I think the world is going to be really interested in these storylines and these characters.” It hits the streamer on Sept. 16.
Though acting is her focus, Tippen is also a singer, dancer, and DJ, and says all those creative outlets influence her work as an actress. “They all go hand in hand,” she says. “Just focusing on what your message is and having fun creating something. I like to use music and dance to help me tap into certain emotions — it helps in my acting.” She also considers herself an unofficial A&R, joking she “can find the best songs, and then I have like a 92% success rate that it’ll blow up and become a hit.”
Looking ahead, Tippen’s hopes are less about specific goals and more about continuing to tell stories and connect with people. At just 22, she’s already built an impressive resume, but she’s still looking to expand her career. “I would hope to see me playing interesting characters that are entertaining and resonate with audiences — and producing and directing as well.” If her career so far is any indication, Tippen is just getting started.
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
In one word, how would you describe Bailey Tippen right now?
Focused. I’ve been on my routine, staying focused in the gym, and then staying focused on my self-care, and things like that.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love to bake. I love to bake cookies, I love to bake cakes — and I’m also obsessed with matcha.
If you could play a character from any book, movie, or TV show, who would it be?
Dork Diaries is one of my favorite books from my childhood. I would love to play a character from Dork Diaries, if they ever decide to make that a show, movie, or anything.
What’s a song you’ve had on repeat lately?
Honestly, I just love listening to artists — just going through their whole discography. So lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Latto, Mariah the Scientist, and Megan Thee Stallion.
What’s one TikTok sound or video trend you’re currently obsessed with?
There’s this one by Nicki Minaj, she’s like, “I better watch my five-foot-two mouth. Well, first of all, I’m glad you said that. I’m not five-two, I’m five-three.” I love that one.
What’s one thing you always do before arriving on set?
I like to incorporate some self-care before I get started, just getting in the right headspace that I need to perform. And what that looks like for me is meditating and just speaking positive affirmations.
If you could work with any actor or director you haven’t worked with yet, who would be at the top of your list?
I would love to work with Ryan Coogler.
What’s one thing you’re manifesting for the rest of 2026?
More joy.