Simon Baker: The boy from Oz

He might have women the world over swooning, but Simon Baker, star of US TV hit The Mentalist, is still an Aussie bloke who hates a haircut and loves a surf.

In fact, flying into Sydney last month with his wife Rebecca Rigg and children, Stella, 16, Claude, 11, and Harry, eight, Simon headed straight for Lennox Head on the NSW Far North Coast, where he grew up and first learnt to surf. And it's no surprise to anyone they bought a holiday home while they were there.

Now he's back in LA with the family and on the red carpet as a best actor nominee at the Golden Globe Awards. It caps off a great year for the star who turned 40 and saw his show The Mentalist win a People's Choice Award. Here, he talks about fame, family and missing home…

What's it like being named sexiest man on TV?
They must have been hard up! It was weird, but weirder for Stella, who rolled her eyes and said: 'Dad, you're so embarrassing!'

Is it difficult being hailed as a sex symbol?
You can't take it too seriously. When I was younger, I was more concerned with appearance. But having found my mate and had kids, my only concern is to stay in shape for the job. I like being active. I started surfing at seven.

We've heard you don't wear deodorant? Is that true?
Absolutely. If you drink enough water, you shouldn't have to. I think I smell pretty good without it!

What about grooming…
Other than brushing my teeth, nothing. I even cut my own hair most of the time. I don't like fancy, fiddly girlie stuff and like to roll out of bed and be ready to go.

You have been married for 11 years. What's your secret?
There's no secret - just hard work. You have great times and difficult times. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Is it true Rebecca persuaded you to do The Mentalist?
She's my litmus test and after reading the script, she told me she thought the show had a shot.

Rebecca had a cameo on the show. Is she acting again?
When we first arrived in America, she did a couple of TV series and has been offered more. But we have three kids and she's decided it's too difficult at this point. She has been incredibly generous, allowing me the opportunities.

Did your daughter Stella really convince you to do The Devil Wears Prada?
She was 11 and bored out of her mind, so I gave her the script to read. She told me the character was a bit of a d***, but that I should do it anyway. When I asked why, she said: 'Because all my friends are going to go and see it and it'll be really cool.'

What's the best thing about being a dad?
I love having a family. Watching them grow, develop and share ideas. It's amazing.

A few years ago, you left LA and bought a house in Sydney. What happened?
I never unpacked my suitcase. Over five months, I flew back to the US seven times to make The Devil Wears Prada and Something New, so we sold the house and moved back to LA. I love Australia and come home as often as I can.

So what do you miss most?
The physical beauty of the NSW North Coast and close friends. I also miss the pubs and meat pies!

Who are your friends in LA?
Rebecca, Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman are as thick as thieves. Rebecca and Nicole went to school together. Nicole and Naomi are godparents to two of our kids. Hugh Jackman is a good friend. So is Anthony LaPaglia.

Tell us about your new movie The Killer Inside Me.
It's a thriller about a sheriff's deputy, who's a serial killer. I play the lawyer out to get him.

You were thinking about taking out US citizenship…
A lot depends on my kids. If they want to go to uni and make their lives in the US, it's something we'll consider. But Australia
will always be my home.