Cliff Simon was a South African-born actor, author, and international athlete who made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he was a powerful presence on screen and a talented athlete who aspired to become the first South African swimmer to win an Olympic Gold medal.
Simon's early life was marked by a passion for swimming and gymnastics, which he pursued from a young age. He was a national-level athlete in both sports by the age of 15 and was chosen to swim in the British International squad. However, he ultimately decided to leave competitive swimming behind and pursue a career in the Air Force, where he continued to swim and achieved the highest athletic award given in the Air Force.
After leaving the Air Force, Simon taught windsurfing and water-skiing at a resort hotel in South Africa, where he was discovered by a stage show producer. He went on to perform in various stage productions around the world, including a stint as a principle performer at the famous Moulin Rouge Theater in Paris.
Simon's acting career took off in the 1990s, when he became a household name in South Africa for his role in the popular television series "Egoli - Place of Gold." He later moved to the United States, where he landed guest roles on popular TV shows such as "Nash Bridges" and "Stargate SG1." His recurring role as Ba'AL on "Stargate SG1" earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
In addition to his acting career, Simon was a published author, having written the book "Paris Nights: My Year at the Moulin Rouge." He was also a talented surfer and kite boarder, and was known for his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors.
Simon's later years were marked by a successful career in hosting and producing, including his own paranormal investigation show "Into the Unknown," which premiered on Travel Channel in 2020. He was also a producer on several other projects, including the short film "The Long Dig" and the film "Project Eden Vol 1," which won the Best Vision Award at the Boston Film Festival.
Tragically, Simon's life was cut short when he died while kite boarding on March 9, 2021, in Topanga, California. He is remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his incredible talent, his infectious charm, and his adventurous spirit.
