After making a strong impression in just a few short minutes on screen as a sincere yet doomed aspiring actor in L.A. Confidential (1997), Simon Baker—yes, that’s right, Simon Baker—began carving out a unique niche for himself in Hollywood. Over time, Simon Baker proved he had what it takes to play sharp, intense characters, often walking the fine line between hero and antihero on television, or slipping into the role of a slick, charming rogue in various film projects. And really, it all started gaining momentum after that breakout moment in L.A. Confidential.
From there, Simon Baker landed supporting roles in Ang Lee’s Ride With the Devil (1999) and the big-budget sci-fi flick Red Planet (2000), which, let’s be honest, didn’t quite land as hoped. Still, momentum built, and soon Simon Baker was stepping into the spotlight as a lead on the popular CBS legal drama The Guardian (2001–04). It seemed like things were clicking into place.
But of course, no career path is without its bumps. Even someone like Simon Baker faced setbacks—films like The Affair of the Necklace (2004) and The Ring Two (2005) didn’t quite hit the mark. Yet Simon Baker kept pushing forward, taking solid supporting roles in well-received films such as Something New (2006) and the stylish The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Then came Smith (CBS, 2006), a high-profile crime series where Simon Baker was set to shine—but alas, only three episodes aired before the show was pulled. Talk about a setback.
Still, Simon Baker wasn’t one to back down. And then, finally, came the role that changed everything: The Mentalist (CBS, 2008–15). As Patrick Jane, a brilliant but emotionally complex consultant with a flair for mind games, Simon Baker truly came into his own. This was the moment Simon Baker had been working toward—the perfect showcase for his talent, charisma, and depth. In many ways, The Mentalist wasn’t just a hit show; it was Simon Baker’s long-overdue arrival as a leading man who could carry a series with intelligence, charm, and just the right edge.
When it comes to Simon Baker’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is L.A. Confidential from 1997—it’s widely regarded as Simon Baker’s highest rated movie. The film received strong praise and remains a benchmark in his career. On the other end of the spectrum, Simon Baker appeared in Red Planet, released in 2000, which unfortunately turned out to be his lowest rated film. While Simon Baker has taken on a variety of roles over the years, these two titles mark the high and low points in terms of ratings. Simon Baker certainly had a diverse journey through cinema, but it’s clear that projects like L.A. Confidential helped define his reputation early on.