The First Wire - September 2012
Interviewer: Adam Whitney
Simon Baker: The Beginning Matters
Thanks for catching some time in your busy schedule to chat today, Simon. You’ve been busy filming and flying lately it seems?
I have, I have. There’s been some business in Sydney that I’ve been needing to take care of, but filming for The Mentalist has been quite busy as well. Popping in and out of Oz seems to be my routine lately. Not complaining, though, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’m currently working on.
Certainly sounds exciting. What has been your favorite part about leading an international lifestyle?
A lot of people tend to make it out to be glamorous all the time. It’s not, but it is fun. I’m very lucky in that I get to travel a lot and meet really interesting people every day. It’s definitely not a life fitted for those that get weary easily. The hours are long and sometimes difficult, but the end result is always something to be proud of.
You’re currently shooting season 5 of The Mentalist. This experience has been a pretty big mainstay of your career. Describe to us what the experience of the show means to you.
Every actor wants to come across a job where it doesn’t feel like a job. This is mine. I go to work excited every day to learn new things from my co-stars, see how the storyline will develop, and make a show that people will enjoy watching. There is absolutely nothing I can complain about. I’ve grown tremendously from the experience both professionally and personally. Being exposed to how others work with their individual methods and quirks has been really interesting. I feel equipped to tackle any future job since doing the show.
As the show continues, do you have any secret wishes as to how your character – Patrick Jane – should develop?
Oh, of course. Every actor wants to have some control over how their character will grow. That is, though, the job of our great writers. I could never do justice to Patrick Jane as they do – despite living as him on the TV screen. Each time I get a new script, I really enjoy the excitement of sort of figuring out where I’ll be this week or the next. If I ever am truly passionate about a certain plotline, we have a very open production team and I love hinting to them what I’d like to see happen. Now whether it actually occurs is a different story!
Where would like to see yourself 5 years from now in Hollywood?
I genuinely hope that our show continues to receive the wonderful support from the fans that we’ve been lucky to get so far. This is a character and team that I’m very passionate about and I think there is a lot we have yet to hear from them. I’d like to continue pushing myself to take risks in roles that I do – whether it be Patrick Jane or otherwise. You know they say that if you stay in a comfort zone for too long in anything that things can get stale pretty quickly. I’m not one for staleness, so I’d like to stay fresh!
Australian actors crossing over to Hollywood has become somewhat of a trend the past decade. Why do you think this is and tell us a little about your transition?
Hollywood has always been considered the place to work as actor – no matter what country you are from. Every single one tries to cross-over to this side of the entertainment world because this is where careers are made. Australian entertainers are no different. Of course, working in Oz is a wonderful experience in itself. When I first started in the 80s, I was completely happy with the work I was getting. However, at some point you say to yourself: I want more. Not out of selfishness, but of desire to advance your career. The transition to Hollywood is a relatively difficult thing for international aspiring performers because not only do you have to contend with all the domestic talent that is trying to enter Hollywood but you also have to acclimate yourself to a new culture and a new environment. My beginnings in Oz helped me loads because of a great support structure. The beginning matters and every step is important.
Do you have any words of advice for those trying to following in your footsteps?
You have to be willing to live and breathe the work you are trying to make a career from – it’s the only way that you will get the results you want. Hollywood is interesting in that you only get out of it what you put in. The biggest stars dedicate their entire life to their craft and work. If you want the same, you have to rise up to the challenge.
Sounds like very honest advice!
You have to be honest when you’re trying to win over the love of the public.
You’ve maintained your Australian citizenship while working in the US. Do you have plans to seek US citizenship, would you like a dual situation, or will you keep the current path?
My family and I have made getting our US citizenship a priority in our lives. We live and work in California and it only seems right that we get the full American experience by being granted the rights that are bestowed upon those born there. We hope to get it in the next few years. The extra taxes we don’t mind, if it means being citizens!
That is a wonderful goal. We have a few either-or questions for you from our readers:
Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney.
Morning or Night?
Morning.
Boxers or Briefs?
Since I’m trying to use my American rights, I’ll plead the fifth on that one.
Fair enough! One last question: if you could describe yourself only using three adjectives, what would those be?
Creative. Dedicated. Honest.
Thanks so much for your time, Simon. It was great getting to know you a bit better. Best wishes!
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