He’s the guy with the curls and that mischievous "I know what you're thinking" grin. Most of us spent years watching Simon Baker outsmart killers as Patrick Jane on The Mentalist, or maybe you first fell for him as the charmingly problematic Christian Thompson in The Devil Wears Prada. But Hollywood fame is a weird thing. One minute you're the highest-paid actor on television, and the next, you're spotted carrying furniture into a van in a sleepy Australian beach suburb.
So, who is Simon Baker with now? Honestly, the answer isn't just about a name. It’s about a massive life pivot.
The Romantic Reality: Is He Off the Market?
If you’ve been scrolling through social media looking for a wedding announcement, you can stop. As of early 2026, Simon hasn't walked down the aisle again. After his long-term marriage to Rebecca Rigg ended back in 2020—a split that genuinely shocked fans who saw them as a "forever" Hollywood couple—his dating life became a bit of a tabloid obsession.
Currently, Simon is most closely linked to Brigette Clark. She's an Australian fashion and lifestyle photographer who is, yes, significantly younger than him.
The two have been a bit "on-again, off-again" since they were first spotted together around 2022. They’ve been seen linking arms at Tamarama Beach and spending family time in Byron Bay with Simon's sons, Claude Blue and Harry Friday. Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about them moving in together after they were photographed hauling furniture into a van. It feels very domestic. Very "real world."
Before Brigette, there was a brief, highly publicized romance with activewear designer Laura May Gibbs. That one fizzled out in late 2021, reportedly over differing views on some pretty heavy social issues. Since then, Simon seems to have leaned into a much more low-key, Australian lifestyle.
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Why the Age Gap Matters (Or Doesn't)
People talk. They always do. Brigette is roughly the same age as Simon’s eldest daughter, Stella. While that makes for juicy gossip, those close to him suggest he’s just at a stage where he wants to be around creative, high-energy people. Brigette isn't just a "girlfriend"; she's the founder of a resortwear brand called Terry Towelling. She’s a businesswoman.
Where is He Living?
He’s gone home.
Basically, the "Hollywood Simon" is on an indefinite hiatus. After The Mentalist wrapped up, he packed his bags and moved back to Australia. He told Esquire that he missed the smell of the ocean on a rainy March morning. You can’t get that in a studio in Burbank.
He spends most of his time between a farm in Nashua—near Byron Bay—and the North Bondi area. He’s traded the red carpets for a surfboard. If you see him now, he’s probably shirtless, sandy, and looking a lot more like a local "surfie" than a TV detective.
The 2026 Career Pivot: No More Procedurals
If you're waiting for The Mentalist reboot, don't hold your breath. Simon has been pretty vocal about wanting to do "art for art's sake." He’s used that massive $30 million paycheck from his TV days to buy himself freedom.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2: This is the big news. It’s 2026, and the sequel is officially happening. Simon is returning as Christian Thompson, alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. It’s one of the few times he’s stepped back into the massive Hollywood machine recently.
- Scarpetta: He’s starring in this upcoming Prime Video series based on the Patricia Cornwell novels. He's working with Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. Not a bad way to spend your "retirement."
- Indie Projects: He’s been doing "gritty" work. Films like Limbo and High Ground show a side of him that is far removed from the polished Patrick Jane. He’s graying, he’s weathered, and he’s acting his heart out in the Australian dirt.
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
People think he’s retired or "faded away." He hasn't. He’s just picky.
He’s admitted that he was never actually "good at being famous." The whole machine—the interviews, the fake smiles, the constant scrutiny—it didn't fit him. He’s an agnostic, a rugby fan (go Parramatta Eels!), and a father who is clearly prioritized his kids over a second Emmy.
Simon Baker: A Snapshot of Now
- Relationship Status: Reportedly with Brigette Clark.
- Current Location: Australia (Bondi and Byron Bay).
- Latest Project: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (releasing May 2026) and Scarpetta.
- Vibe: Relaxed, artistic, and fiercely protective of his privacy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with Simon without falling for the clickbait, here’s what you should actually do:
- Watch 'Breath': If you want to understand the real Simon, watch the movie he directed. It’s about surfing and growing up in Australia. It's his soul on screen.
- Follow the Work, Not the Instagram: Simon isn't a "post every day" kind of guy. Look for his name in Australian indie film credits rather than looking for him on TikTok.
- Check Out 'Boy Swallows Universe': If you haven't seen his 2024 work on Netflix, go back and watch it. It’s a masterclass in how he’s evolved from a "pretty boy" to a serious character actor.
Simon Baker is currently living the life most people dream of: he did the work, made the money, and then had the guts to walk away and do exactly what he wanted. Whether he’s with Brigette Clark or just his surfboard, he seems more "himself" than ever.