People Interview 00/12/2008

MAD ABOUT THE MENTALIST

By Lesley Messer - december 2008

For the actress, 36, costarring in CBS' breakout fall hit has its perks- like teasing Simon Baker.

How did it feel to see your ratings?

I was up at 6 o'clock [the morning after the premiere] looking at them, texting [costar] Simon Baker. There was a lot of jumping around. Now he expects me to deliver the news every Wednesday. It's ritual.


You're friends?

He's awesome. I knew him before we started. He teases me and I'll tease him. I make fun of him that he's sort of a sex symbol. I call him "The Heat". And when I wear a certain coat, he calls me "The Fonz".


Besides working with Simon, what's the biggest perk of being on a hit?

I got air conditioning and my bathrooms are gonna get retiled. My house was built in 1958, and my sinks and countertops are from 1958. I'm excited- a little home improvement!

source