What is Simon Baker's Net Worth and Salary?
Simon Baker, an acclaimed Australian actor, boasts a net worth of $40 million. He is part of the influential wave of Australian actors that includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Naomi Watts. Baker relocated to the U.S. in the late 90s, transitioning from popular Australian TV roles to American film and television. Unlike some of his contemporaries, his film career didn’t immediately flourish. Despite this, he captured roles in notable films like "L.A. Confidential," "The Ring Two," and "The Devil Wears Prada." However, he gained immense fame through television, with lead roles in "The Guardian" and "Smith," earning award nominations, including a Golden Globe. His defining role came with "The Mentalist" in 2008, where he played Patrick Jane. The series was a massive success, airing 151 episodes over seven seasons and making Baker one of the highest-paid TV actors.
Simon Baker Salary
Baker's earnings from "The Mentalist" were substantial. By 2013, his per-episode salary was $350,000, translating to $8.5 million per season. In 2010, a new contract brought him a producer credit and a greater share of syndication profits.
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Early Life
Born Simon Lucas Baker on July 30, 1969, in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, he grew up in Ballina, New South Wales, where he was nicknamed "Smiley."
Career
Baker's acting journey began on Australian television with series like "E Street," "Home and Away," and "Heartbreak High" during the early '90s. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to Los Angeles. His breakthrough role came in 1997 with "L.A. Confidential," where he played Matt Reynolds.
He paid his dues with smaller roles in films such as "Love from Ground Zero" and "Ride with the Devil." Despite a setback with the 2000 sci-fi film "Red Planet," Baker's performance in "The Affair of the Necklace" and horror blockbuster "The Ring Two" cemented his presence in Hollywood.
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In 2006, Baker starred in "The Devil Wears Prada," which significantly boosted his film career. That same year, he joined the series "Smith." However, his most memorable role came in 2008 with "The Mentalist," lasting until 2015. Throughout, he also appeared in films like "The Killer Inside Me," "Margin Call," and co-wrote and starred in "Breath."
Brand Endorsements
Baker has featured in commercials for top brands including Samsung, NZ Bank, Longines, and Givenchy.
Relationships
Simon married Australian actress Rebecca Rigg in 1998. The couple has three children together.
Real Estate
Baker's real estate investments include a $6.5 million property in Bondi Beach, purchased in 2015. Previously, he sold a Paddington terrace in 2007 for $3.3 million and upgraded a Bondi home bought for $2.63 million in 2014. In 2016, he sold a Sydney penthouse for $3.5 million and owns a Nashua home valued at $1.5 million. Additionally, he purchased a 4,755-square-foot residence in Santa Monica for $4.65 million in 2007.
