Cliff M. Simon | |
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Born: | September 7, 1962 Johannesburg, South Africa |
Died: | March 9, 2021 Topanga, California |
Role: | Red Square sniper |
Cliff M. Simon (September 7, 1962 – March 9, 2021; age 58) played a Red Square sniper during Season 8 of 24.
Biography and career[]
Cliff Simon was born in Johannesburg, South Africa to Emmanuelle and Phyllis Simon. He is of Polish and Lithuanian decent, and the youngest of 4 children. From a very young age, Simon was involved in swimming since his mother was a swim teacher. He also started practicing gymnastics, but eventually devoted completely to swimming.
In 1975, Simon and his family moved to the United Kingdom, where he was chosen as part of the British International swimming squad. He qualified for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and various universities offered him scholarships. He also trained with the United States swimming team, but after three years he decided to quit and return to South Africa.
After serving a two-year term in the South African Air Force, Simon started teaching windsurfing and waterskiing at a resort hotel. After working as a gymnast for a stage show that was in production at the resort, Simon decided to pursue acting. He performed around the world as a dancer and acrobat, including at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
After returning to South Africa, Simon started studying drama, while working as a model in ramp, print and television commercials. He won the title of Mr. South Africa in 1992, and was offered an audition on a television series, Egoli: Place of Gold. After guest starring on the show for three months, he accepted a permanent contract for a lead role in the show, which he continued for six years.
Later, Simon moved to the US where he continued acting. After an appearance in the show Nash Bridges (with Geoff Pierson), he landed the lead role of Ba'al in Stargate: SG-1. He has also appeared in shows like NCIS (with Pauley Perrette), Undercovers, and The Americans.
Simon died in a kiteboarding accident on March 9, 2021.
Role on 24[]
Simon played the role of a Red Square sniper during Season 8 of 24. His character was trying to kill Victor Aruz but was unable to. Simon appeared in one episode, and his stunt double for the part was Brady Romberg. Simon was credited as a guest star.
24 credits[]
Selected filmography[]
- Project Eden: Vol. I (2017)
- Stargate: Continuum (2008)
- Operation Delta Force 5: Random Fire (2000)
Television appearances
- Personal Space (2018)
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016)
- Castle (2014)
- The Americans (2014)
- Days of Our Lives (2012)
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2011)
- Undercovers (2010)
- Stargate SG-1 (2001-2007)
- Nash Bridges (2000)
- Egoli: Place of Gold (1992-1999)