OK! Interview: Simon Baker

With Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman as godmothers to two of his kids, Simon Baker, star of the CBS drama The Mentalist, is part of Hollywood’s Aussie mafia.

Simon, 39, has three children with his wife, actress Rebecca Rigg: Stella, 15, Claude, 9, and Harry, 7. The actor has appeared in many movies including L.A. Confidential and The Devil Wears Prada since moving to the U.S. in 1995, but his biggest break so far is as Patrick Jane on The Mentalist.

OK!: Have you become more intuitive since exploring your character’s observational skills on The Mentalist?

I wish. In all truth, as a mentalist, I’m a decent actor, but as an actor, I’m not a very good mentalist.

OK!: What’s the best part of being a dad?

Just being involved in the experience. I love having a family. Watching them grow and develop, share ideas and thoughts, is amazing.

OK!: We hear you’re a fan of Gossip Girl.

I sit in bed and watch it with my daughter. She works hard on her school work, and that’s the one thing she’s allowed to watch on a weeknight. The storylines are so over the top — it’s a guilty pleasure.

OK!: Does it help your relationship with your daughter?

We don’t use Gossip Girl as a reference point for our relationship. It’s just hard candy.

OK!: Do you have a secret talent?

I’m pretty good at gardening. It consumes my time, and it feels like I’m doing something constructive.

OK!: Are you into male grooming?

No, I just clean my teeth!

OK!: What do you miss most about Australia?

The physical beauty of the area where I grew up. And I miss my close friends. I miss trivial things too... like meat pie!