May 2015 - Elle Spain

Simon Baker could have been one of those actors with a messy, tumultuous love life and a list of oddities that could have brought a air of extravagance to his celebrity status. Instead of that, the lead actor of "The Guardian" and "The Mentalist", who flirted with Anne Hathaway in "The Devil Wears Prada" and starred alongside Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger and Russell Crowe in "L.A. Confidential", decided to be the man of one woman (he has been with Rebecca Rigg since he was 22 years old, having met her on a blind date) and to adapt his personal and professional life to the needs of his three teenage kids (Stella Breeze, Claude Blue and Harry Friday). He is an surprisingly normal guy. Rather, a gentleman. That's the reason why, two years ago, Givenchy chose him as ambassador of Gentlemen Only, a saga of fragrances that has recently added Gentlemen Only Casual Chic, a woody perfume with spicy undertones that fits Simon like a glove: "This fragrance fits me best. Classic but with a spark". A perfect description for this handsome man with an irresistible smile (who is known by the nickname Smiley in Hollywood), with a shy look and a seductive personality. But, to Mrs. Baker's relief, this is only a strategy to preserve the spirit of a young surfer. Or, at least, that's what he says ...

You have just finished one of the most important stages of your career with the end of "The Mentalist". On balance, what do you think of this success?
Simon Baker: I'm very proud to know that we have kept good ratings for 7 years and 151 episodes. Sometimes I think that we could have continued to shoot because a television format consisting of small, independent stories can go on as long as you want. But this is not my style. I need to continue to grow, explore new genres and take risks with new projects that present a challenge.

And what is the next challenge you intend to face?
Simon Baker: To direct and star in a my own movie that we'll start shooting at the end of the year in Australia, if everything goes according to plan. It's a great personal challenge and a very ambitious project. Let's see how it goes ...

So, you left your home in the Unites States of America to come back to Australia. Have you moved with the intention of staying here permanently?
Simon Baker: It´s a temporary move. We are really pleased with the change, but my wife and I have a deal: six weeks in Australia and one week in Europe.

Does she always travel with you?
Simon Baker: Most of the time, she's with me. It's a good balance. My family always goes with me when I move from one place to another. When I said yes to The Mentalist, many people were surprised because, after I had filmed The Guardian, I made a public comment that I would not return to television. That I preferred to do movies. But the big screen requires you to travel a lot and, after doing it for a while, I realized that for family to work, you need to be at home. My children were young, they were going to school. To continue in that way was not a responsible thing to do. So, I decided to have dinner with them every night.

How is Simon Baker as a parent? Have you caught Patrick Jane's bad habits and do you behave a little bit as a detective?
Simon Baker: In that aspect, I'd say that I resemble Patrick Jane a little. I'm pretty insightful, I have a good eye and I notice when someone in my family is worried about something. I like going straight to the point. Women, however, love talking about everything that happens and going round in circles. Men are more practical, we try to find the shortest path to solve a problem.

Who bears the burden of educating your children?
Simon Baker: "After having our second child, my wife dedicated herself completely to the family. I think a mother plays a key role in transmitting certain values to her children and establishing behavior patterns that are repeated when they’re away from home. The way a boy treats his own mother gives you many clues on how he'll treat other people. The interesting thing about parenting is that, inadvertently, you become a key figure in the life of another person. It's not something you think about consciously, it happens naturally".

And does your marriage works as easily?
Simon Baker: "It's a different kind of love. Therefore, you have to work on it every day of your life. You have to be faithful to the commitment you made with the other person and be aware of their needs. It's easy to play dumb and not be aware of your partner's needs. It's a constant exercise of giving and receiving. This doesn't mean that you have found the perfect recipe for making your marriage last forever, but the fact that you want it to last forever helps".

Why do you think your family situation is so rare amongst your professional colleagues?
Simon Baker: "Fame is a dangerous weapon. You receive a lot of attention everywhere you go and, sometimes, it can confuse you. The allure of success is very entertaining and fascinating, if you know how to enjoy it. But when your moment of glory passes, you have to be sure that you have built a solid family to return to, a family that helps you connect with the rest of society. Both my wife and I came from broken homes and, as we have suffered the consequences of a separation, we don't want our children to experience the same thing. My family is my greatest achievement and I fight to make this aspect of my life perfect".

All this has much to do with your fame as a regular guy ...
Simon Baker: "I am a regular guy. I don't like it when people stare at me. In fact, it seems a bit absurd and there are situations that border on the ridiculous. I understand that people stop me on the street, ask me for an autograph or want to take a picture with me. It's all part of the unwritten contract you sign when you choose a public profession. There are always small sacrifices to make. However, I know that people don't approach me, but the man they think I am. The worst thing that happens when you are famous is that you notice how people change in your presence. As I said before, I have good observational skills and I notice when someone behaves in a completely different way when I am around. When something like that happens, you tend to stay away from those persons because I don't like it at all".

Is that why you always wear glasses?
Simon Baker: "I mainly wear glasses because I need them. But I also recognise that they are a good psychological barrier, that puts distance between the character and who I really am".

And what can you tell us about the real Simon?
Simon Baker: "There are things I'd prefer to remain a mystery, but I would define myself as someone who has had luck and who struggles to make things right".

When Givenchy called you and suggested that you become the ambassador of their Gentlemen Only fragrance, what do you think they were looking for?
Simon Baker: "The world of fashion and beauty were two territories I had never explored. I knew it superficially, but working for such an established brand has been a very enriching experience and I've learned a lot from it. They've let me express my opinions on their advertising campaigns and propose ideas. Givenchy fits perfectly with my idea of luxury perfectly: it's classic, but has an avant-garde concept and a very interesting design".

Speaking of beauty, are you a conceited person?
Simon Baker: "No".

It sounds pretty convincing, but is it true?
Simon Baker: "Yes. (He thinks for a second) Why, don't you believe me?"

No, no, I believe you. But this hasn't prevented you from looking in the mirror throughout our interview. Not even for a minute.
Simon Baker: "Just to make sure that you were not disguising me (laughs). I really didn't look at myself in the mirror to see if I'm handsome or not. I just wanted to check if I'm still me. Sometimes they use you as a mannequin and I already have a certain age". (Touché! Although I really don't think so, his answer is accepted).

But you have a beauty routine, don't you?
Simon Baker: "Of course. It's very basic. I eat healthily, I swim in the ocean every morning, I surf in the afternoon, but I don't obsess. I use moisturiser, sunscreen and perfume. Choosing the right fragrance puts me in a good mood. There are people who use it in order to seduce someone. But I use it to feel good and relaxed. I put on this new version of Givenchy before leaving home and, without it being a heavy perfume, I know it's going to accompany me for the rest of the day".

So, the idea of growing old doesn't scare you?
Simon Baker: "Come on, come on! I'm a guy and I'm 45 years old. Being an actor doesn't mean you have to be handsome. Or it shouldn't ... "

How do you use social networks?
Simon Baker: "I only have an Instagram account because I love photography and this is a platform where you can post a picture without saying anything. I don't see any need to be online all the time or to share my thoughts every minute. This is something that, from a generational standpoint, differentiates me from my children. For teenagers and for some adults, social networks are their way of socializing and the only tool they believe gives them a voice".

But, when you want to send a message, they can become a truly powerful tool.
Simon Baker: "Yes of course. The messages spread much faster and the fact that you put your name on certain projects makes them more noticeable".

Are you referring to charitable projects?
Simon Baker: "That's a very private subject. I don't talk about the charitable projects I collaborate on, although you can find them on Google (he and his wife co-operate on Artists for Peace and Justice and Mending Kids International). Sometimes I think that celebrities believe that, because they are famous, they must be part of a non-profit organization and, above all, they must tell everybody about it".

Time is running out, the interview is over and the Givenchy PR officer asks Simon Baker where he'd like to have his dinner reservation. "When I find my wife, I'll ask her, but a club sandwich from room service always seems to be a good choice". As I said before: he is a regular guy.

Translation thanks to:

https://www.facebook.com/simonbaker.meantalist & http://thaysquint.tumblr.com/post/117051833536/simon-baker-interview