History of Cliff Simon in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 23, 2024

Cliff Simon was a South African actor widely recognized for his role as Ba'al in the science fiction television series Stargate SG-1.

September 1962: Birth of Cliff Simon

Cliff Simon was born in September 1962 in South Africa. This marks the beginning of the life of an individual who would later become a renowned actor, best known for his role as Ba'al in Stargate SG-1.

1975: Emigration to the United Kingdom

In 1975, Cliff Simon's family decided to emigrate from South Africa to the United Kingdom due to political turmoil in Africa. This move played a significant role in Simon's upbringing and education, as he completed his schooling in the UK.

1982: Career in Resort Entertainment Begins

In 1982, after completing a two-year term in the air force, Cliff Simon began working at a resort hotel, teaching windsurfing and waterskiing. This opportunity led him to perform in stage productions as a dancer and acrobat, marking the start of his entertainment career.

1984: Olympic Aspirations and Educational Opportunities

In 1984, Cliff Simon qualified for the Summer Olympics trials in Los Angeles, representing the British international swimming team. Although he didn't participate in the games, he was offered scholarships by the University of Houston and Southern Methodist University in Texas, where he trained with the United States swimming team, the Mustangs.

1989: Moulin Rouge Performance

In 1989, Cliff Simon was cast as a performer at the iconic Moulin Rouge in Paris. This experience significantly influenced his career and later led him to write a memoir titled 'Paris Nights: My Year at the Moulin Rouge' in 2016.

1992: Winning Mr. South Africa

In 1992, Cliff Simon won the Mr. South Africa talent and action man competition, which opened doors for his acting career. Following this achievement, he was offered a role on the TV series Egoli: Place of Gold, where he played a lead role for six years.

1997: Marriage to Collette

In 1997, Cliff Simon married Collette at a game lodge in South Africa. This personal milestone marks a significant moment in his life, highlighting his relationship with his spouse.

2000: Move to Los Angeles and Stargate SG-1 Role

In 2000, Cliff Simon emigrated to Los Angeles, where he began his journey in the American entertainment industry. He secured a guest star role on the TV series Nash Bridges and later landed the recurring role of Ba'al on Stargate SG-1, which became one of his most famous roles.

2005: Becoming a United States Citizen

In 2005, Cliff Simon became a United States citizen, marking a significant personal milestone in his life as he fully embraced his new country.

2008: Stargate: Continuum Appearance

In 2008, Cliff Simon reprised his role as Ba'al in the Stargate movie, Stargate: Continuum. This role solidified his position as a notable actor in the science fiction genre.

2015: Conservation Efforts with Sea Shepherd

In 2015, Cliff Simon appeared in a video as Ba'al for the conservation group Sea Shepherd, showcasing his dedication to environmental causes.

2019: Presentation of Into the Unknown

In 2019, Cliff Simon began presenting the travelogue documentary 'Into the Unknown,' exploring historical myths through global travels. This project furthered his career in television as a presenter.

February 2020: Premiere of Into the Unknown

In February 2020, Cliff Simon's travelogue documentary 'Into the Unknown' (also known as 'Uncharted Mysteries' in the UK) premiered on The History Channel in the UK. The show follows Simon's solo global travels in search of hidden clues to history's myths.

March 2021: Death of Cliff Simon

Cliff Simon tragically passed away in March 2021 due to a kiteboarding accident in Topanga, California. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. His passing marked the end of the life of a celebrated actor and performer.