Cliff Simon, an actor who starred as the villainous Ba’al in “Stargate SG-1”, died on Tuesday after a kitesurfing accident. He was 58 years old.
Simon’s wife confirmed his death in a statement shared on his Facebook account on Thursday.
“It is with unimaginable sadness that I am sharing with you that my beloved husband, Cliff Simon, passed away at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. He was in Topanga Beach, California, and unfortunately died after a tragic kitesurfing accident. He was known to most of you on this page as the villain you loved to hate, Ba’al, from Stargate SG-1 But, as he said, ‘acting is what I do, it’s just a part of who I am , ‘”says the statement.
His wife went on to call Simon “MUCH more” than his on-screen appearances.
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Actor Cliff Simon died on March 9 after suffering a kitesurfing accident, his wife revealed.
(John M. Heller / Getty Images)
She described him as a “true original, an adventurer, a sailor, swimmer, dancer, actor, author.”
“There is a hole where he was on this earth. He was loved by many to mention and had a great impact on so many lives. He was an incredible and much loved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.” his wife continued. “He was and always will be the love of my life and there is an unimaginable hurt.”
Simon’s wife noted that, despite the tragedy, he died on the beach, “which was his temple”.
“I know it is a shock and it will be very difficult, but we hope that you respect our need for privacy at this time,” concludes the statement.
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Simon, who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, played Ba’al in the science fiction series “Stargate SG-1” for five seasons. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Simon was a skilled athlete, having practiced gymnastics and swimming during his childhood. His family moved to the United Kingdom in the 1980s, the outlet notes, so that he could fulfill his dreams of being at the Olympics.
Simon later returned to his home country and joined the Air Force for two years. He became a dancer at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, France, became interested in modeling and then got a place in a soap opera entitled “Egoli: Place of Gold” in South Africa.
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Simon reportedly moved to the United States in 2000 after his decision to seek more active roles. He also appeared in “NCIS Los Angeles”, “NCIS New Orleans”, “24,” “Undercovers” and “Castle”. In 2016, he also wrote a book entitled “Paris Nights: My Year at the Moulin Rouge”.