Simon Baker has joined forces with South Australia’s Liberal opposition party – and it’s all for a good cause.
Baker is part of a push to fast-track plans to have the Great Australian Bight officially recognised with World Heritage status.
The Mentalist star, 56, appeared on the steps of South Australia’s Parliament House on Tuesday, standing alongside members of the Great Australian Bight Alliance to push for long-delayed World Heritage recognition.
The veteran performer, who has become a vocal environmental advocate, said he had been deeply moved by both the community’s fight for the Bight and the recent devastation caused by the toxic algal bloom.
The GAB spans both SA and Western Australia and is the massive, dramatic curve of coastline along Australia’s southern edge, known for its towering cliffs and rich marine life.
Speaking to The Advertiser, Baker said it was ‘promising’ to see politicians on both sides finally working together.
Simon Baker (pictured) has joined forces with South Australia’s Liberal opposition party in a push to fast-track plans to have the Great Australian Bight officially recognised with World Heritage status
‘I watched with great enthusiasm the fight for the Bight, and then in the last 12 months I’ve watched the tragedy unfold of the algal bloom and the impacts that’s had on the communities,’ he said.
‘I think it’s beautiful if we turn our energy towards preservation and preserving something sacred.
‘To be here and to see the leader of the opposition speak out in support of World Heritage listing. It’s a very promising thing.’
Baker is currently in Adelaide for a special screening of Ocean, the new documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
He also met privately with Premier Peter Malinauskas and members of the Alliance during his visit.
Liberal Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia and Member for Flinders Sam Telfer also attended Tuesday’s event to support the push to secure the Bight’s World Heritage listing.
Across his career, Baker has starred in a string of movies including The Devil Wears Prada, Breath, and L.A. Confidential.
He has also starred as the lead in CBS shows The Mentalist as Patrick Jane, and The Guardian as Nicholas Fallin.
In September 2024, Baker rekindled his romance with his secret Sydney girlfriend – who is younger than his own daughter.
The Mentalist star appeared on the steps of South Australia’s Parliament House on Tuesday, standing alongside members of the Great Australian Bight Alliance to push for long-delayed World Heritage recognition
The veteran performer, who has become a vocal environmental advocate, said he had been deeply moved by both the community’s fight for the Bight (pictured) and the recent devastation caused by the toxic algal bloom
Daily Mail revealed he hooked up again with lover Bridgette Clark, 31, after the couple took a brief break from their relationship.
The north Bondi local is several months younger than Baker’s daughter, Stella, who turned 32 in August.
Baker’s relationship with Clark began the year after announcing his divorce from Australian actress Rebecca Rigg, star of A Country Practice, Blue Heelers and L.A. Doctors.
Baker was with Rigg for 29 years, including 22 years of marriage, while they lived in Los Angeles from 1995 until 2015, before returning to Sydney and later announcing their divorce in January 2021.
‘We remain close friends and our three children will always be the most important focus of our lives,’ they said in a joint statement at the time.
The couple played love interests on the popular 1990s TV series E Street, although they actually met on a blind date in 1991.
