Summary (tl;dr)

Actor Simon Baker is trending due to recent public appearances with Nicole Kidman at the New York premiere of their new series, "Scarpetta," sparking romance rumors. This comes as "The Mentalist," his popular previous show, has also become available on Netflix.

Essential Background

Simon Baker is an Australian actor and director best known for his role as Patrick Jane in the popular CBS drama "The Mentalist," which ran from 2008 to 2015, earning him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Prior to that, he gained prominence in Australian soap operas and had notable film roles in "L.A. Confidential" and "The Devil Wears Prada". Baker separated from his wife, Rebecca Rigg, in April 2020 after 22 years of marriage. Nicole Kidman recently ended her marriage to Keith Urban in early 2026.

The Full Story

Simon Baker is currently trending following his appearance at the New York premiere of the upcoming Prime Video series "Scarpetta" on March 3, 2026. He was seen holding hands and appearing cozy with his co-star, Nicole Kidman, fueling speculation about a romantic relationship, particularly given Kidman's recent split from Keith Urban. Kidman herself reportedly pushed for Baker to join the "Scarpetta" project, highlighting their long-standing friendship. In the series, an adaptation of Patricia Cornwell's novels, Baker plays Benton Wesley, the husband of Kidman's character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Filming for the series took place in Nashville, and a second season has already been confirmed. Adding to his renewed visibility, "The Mentalist" has recently been added to Netflix's catalogue, introducing his iconic role to a new wave of viewers.

Why It Matters

The trending interest in Simon Baker reflects the public's fascination with celebrity relationships, especially when involving prominent figures like Nicole Kidman and unfolding alongside new professional endeavors. The buzz generated by the romance rumors could significantly boost viewership for "Scarpetta," leveraging both actors' star power and personal lives. Simultaneously, the availability of "The Mentalist" on Netflix allows both new and old fans to revisit his most famous role, solidifying his presence in current entertainment discussions. This confluence of personal life speculation and renewed professional exposure creates a strong interest in the actor.

Geographic Location

• New York, New York, United States (premiere of "Scarpetta" and public appearance of Simon Baker and Nicole Kidman)
• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (filming location for "Scarpetta")
• Virtual/Online (The Mentalist joining Netflix's catalog)