Stargate Villain Cliff Simon Dies Suddenly in Shocking Accident at 58
“He was a fantastic and much-loved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend”
— His wife wrote in a Facebook post
Cliff Simon, a South African-born actor best known for playing the villainous Ba’al on Stargate SG-1, died tragically in a kiteboarding accident on March 9, 2021, in Topanga, California. He was 58.
Simon’s performance as Ba’al made him a fan favorite across the Stargate franchise, thanks to his sharp wit, commanding screen presence, and the layered charm he brought to the role. Beyond Stargate SG-1, he appeared in popular shows like Days of Our Lives and NCIS, building a career that blended soap operas, science fiction, and crime drama.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Simon was the fourth child of Emmanuelle and Phylis Simon. In 1975, when Cliff was a teenager, his family moved to the United States, setting the stage for his future in entertainment.
Before acting, Simon was a skilled athlete, particularly in swimming, and even trained for the Olympics. His athleticism later found an outlet in extreme sports, including kiteboarding — the very passion that ultimately led to his untimely passing.
Simon married Colette Simon in 1997. The couple shared a love for adventure and the outdoors, often traveling together and embracing an active lifestyle.
Accident
On March 9, 2021, Simon was kiteboarding in Topanga, a coastal area near Los Angeles known for its scenic beauty and challenging conditions for water sports.
His wife shared the devastating news in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing, “It is with unimaginable heartbreak that I am sharing with you, that my beloved husband, Cliff Simon, passed away…”
Though many knew him as an actor, his wife reminded the world that “acting is what I do, it’s only a part of who I am.” Cliff was so much more — a fearless adventurer, swimmer, sailor, dancer, and author. “There is a gaping hole where he once stood on this earth,” she wrote, a sentiment echoed by the countless fans and loved ones mourning his loss.
A small comfort in the tragedy is that he died doing what he loved, by the ocean he cherished. “The beach… the water… it was his temple.” His spirit remains in the waves, the wind, and the hearts of those he touched.
Details of the accident remain limited, but authorities confirmed that Simon lost control during the session and suffered fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.