What Happened to Simon Lucas Baker?

Simon Lucas Baker, born on July 30, 1969, in Launceston, Tasmania, rose to international prominence after a foundational career in Australian television. He gained early recognition in Australian soap operas like "E Street" (1992–1993) and "Home and Away" (1993–1994), earning a Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1993. His move to the United States in the mid-1990s marked a significant turning point, leading to a supporting role in the critically acclaimed 1997 film "L.A. Confidential."

Baker solidified his Hollywood presence with leading roles in television, notably as Nick Fallin in the CBS legal drama "The Guardian" (2001–2004), for which he received a Golden Globe nomination in 2002. His most iconic role came as Patrick Jane in the hugely popular CBS drama "The Mentalist" (2008–2015). This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2009 and a Golden Globe nomination in 2010. During his tenure on "The Mentalist," Baker was one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning between $350,000 and $435,000 per episode, and was also credited as a producer. In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

Following "The Mentalist," Baker made a conscious shift towards more diverse projects, often returning to his Australian roots. He made his feature film directorial debut with "Breath" (2017), an adaptation of Tim Winton's novel, in which he also starred. The film garnered him several accolades, including AACTA Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Direction in a Feature Film in 2018. His commitment to authentic Australian cinema continued with the 2023 mystery-crime film "Limbo," where his performance as Detective Travis Hurley received critical praise, with the film premiering at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.

In his personal life, Baker married Australian actress Rebecca Rigg in 1998, and they have three children. The couple announced their separation in April 2020 after 22 years of marriage. Since late 2021, Baker has been linked to photographer Brigette Clark, with the couple reportedly spotted together in New York in 2025.

As of March 2026, Simon Baker has made a significant return to American television, starring as FBI profiler Benton Wesley in the Amazon Prime Video series "Scarpetta," based on Patricia Cornwell's novels. He co-stars with Nicole Kidman, who is also the godmother to his son Harry, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The series premiered on March 11, 2026, and Baker has confirmed that a second season is already in the works. This role marks a new chapter in his career, balancing his established presence in Hollywood with his continued dedication to nuanced, character-driven performances.