Gone too soon: Remembering actor Simon Elrahi and golf legend Dale Reid
- Replies 7
Fans of the esteemed director, actor, and writer Simon Elrahi and legendary golfer Dale Reid were shocked at the sudden and unexpected news of their passing.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family during these trying times.
It is believed Simon Elrahi had been receiving treatment after falling ill earlier this year. However, the entertainment icon passed away suddenly on 8 November 2023.
Tributes from fellow actors, directors, and producers expressed their grief and spoke about his kindness. They shared stories of how much he was respected and how he lit up the sets of productions, making it not only a great experience but also a fun and supportive environment.
Kriv Stenders, who made the hit movie Red Dog, paid tribute on social media.
'Utterly shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Simon Elrahi,’ he said.
‘Simon was a beautiful actor who I had the pleasure and privilege of working with on a number of occasions over the years,' he added.
'I'm just gutted that I will never get the chance to collaborate with him again.’
‘Simon...you were a wonderful soul who was loved and will be missed by so many.’
Victoria Ferrera, Housos star and model, also posted her tribute, emphasising how much respect Elrahi had shown her during their time working together.
‘I’m sorry I didn't call often and catch up with you. Just want to say how much of a pleasure it was working with you.’
'You were so kind, you treated me with so much respect,' she wrote. 'I had so many great memories with you, and I am sad I can't experience this again. I miss you.'
East West 101 and Underbelly: The Golden Mile actor Salvatore Coco paid respects to Elrahi and described him as a ‘humble, kind, funny, charismatic legend'.
‘What [is] certain is that we remember this legend and thank God that he gave us time with him,’ he said.
'Simon, I'm going to miss your laugh, humour, witty and passion for acting and advice.’
Author and radio host Michael El-Bacha said that it was ‘an honour’ working with him on The Combination: Redemption.
‘I am devastated to hear the passing of my dear friend Simon Elrahi. RIP and fly high.’
Actor George Basha praised Elrahi as ‘not only was he a great actor who has worked on so many productions but was [an] even greater human being’.
Actor and writer Bartolo said, ‘My heart is broken. Simon Elrahi. Rest in peace, you generous soul.’
Maria Tran, a Vietnamese-Australian actor, filmmaker, and martial arts star, said she was ‘deeply saddened’ when she learned about his passing.
‘A brilliant and versatile artist, Simon's contributions to our projects were invaluable, and his presence will be sorely missed,’ she said.
Friends and colleagues also described the late actor as ‘an absolute legend, great actor, and hilarious in person,’ and ‘such a kind funny soul’.
Another said, 'He was the loveliest human and always made everyone around feel great.'
The Lebanese Film Festival stated his passing, ‘It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a remarkable talent and friend of the festival, Simon Elrahi.’
'As a much-loved figure in the Australian film industry, Simon's contributions left an indelible mark on our hearts.'
You can read the festival’s full statement below:
Elrahi appeared in 52 films and television programs, including 2022's The Stranger, which starred Joel Edgerton.
He was also best known for his roles in the John Ibrahim drama Last King of the Cross and the crime movie The Combination: Redemption.
A graduate of the Actors Centre and Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney, Elrahi worked in Australian television for 30 years and left an indelible mark on the film industry.
His many awards included the audience award at the 1998 Hawaiian Film Festival and the Best Australian Film at the Sydney Indie Film Festival in 2017.
He also won the top prize at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, and his film Joseph’s Lebanese Roll was a finalist at the BlueCat Screenplay Competition and a semi-finalist at the Australia Independent Film Awards in 2019.
Aside from being an actor, Elrahi was also a trained chiropractor and science degree graduate at the University of Sydney, where he majored in anatomy, human movement, and physiology.
The golfing world is also in mourning today, following the passing of the highly-respected Scottish golfer Dale Reid, 64, after battling with cancer.
The winner of 21 titles across the Ladies European Tour career and twice crowned the Order of Merit as the season’s most successful player, Reid’s 135 top-10 finishes on Tour stand as a record to this day.
She also played during Europe’s 1992 Solheim Cup and is remembered for captaining the side to a victory in 2000.
Her efforts earned her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire that same year.
'The larger-than-life character, who was held in great affection by her fellow Tour players, caddies and staff, will be missed dearly by all who knew her,' the Ladies European Tour said in a statement.
'Reid's open and honest personality made her popular as a player and as a captain,’ it added.
‘She was one of the most successful players in the LET’s history and a tremendous ambassador for the game.'
Reid made the move to Australia with her Australian partner in 2010, but the start of her life Down Under appeared to have been challenging.
She had been in a double fatal truck and car accident shortly after arriving, where she was drenched in diesel but still ran to help those involved in the crash.
The accident claimed the lives of two people, a 31-year-old man and an eight-year-old boy, while a 26-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries.
'(Reid) was obviously quite traumatised at finding the gentleman and the boy were both dead,' her brother-in-law Roy Wicks said.
'I think she tried to cover the girl with her jacket to keep her warm.'
Since the news of Reid’s passing, tributes have been pouring in from fellow athletes and the Scottish community.
Europe’s current Solheim Cup Captain Suzann Pettersen, who made her debut under Reid, remembered her as 'the one and only'.
‘Thanks for believing in me back in 2002. You showed me what courage is all about,’ she said.
‘I’ll never forget you. Rest in peace, friend. Thoughts and love to your family and Dibs.’
Former pro golfer Denise Hastings wrote, 'So extremely sad. I personally have fantastic memories of spending time with Dale as a junior and being on tour!! She was one of a kind! RIP my mate xx.’
Former Ladies European Tour President Mette Hageman said, 'It was very special to get to know you. What a blast it was, I will always cherish the memories. Thanks for everything you did for women’s golf in Europe.’
Rest in peace, Simon Elrahi and Dale Reid. You will be remembered and missed.
Members, were you a fan of Simon Elrahi and Dale Reid? Share your favourite stories of these two icons in the comments below.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family during these trying times.
It is believed Simon Elrahi had been receiving treatment after falling ill earlier this year. However, the entertainment icon passed away suddenly on 8 November 2023.
Tributes from fellow actors, directors, and producers expressed their grief and spoke about his kindness. They shared stories of how much he was respected and how he lit up the sets of productions, making it not only a great experience but also a fun and supportive environment.
Simon Elrahi and Dale Reid (64) passed away today. Credit: @simonelrahi (left), @letgolf (right) / Instagram
Kriv Stenders, who made the hit movie Red Dog, paid tribute on social media.
'Utterly shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Simon Elrahi,’ he said.
‘Simon was a beautiful actor who I had the pleasure and privilege of working with on a number of occasions over the years,' he added.
'I'm just gutted that I will never get the chance to collaborate with him again.’
‘Simon...you were a wonderful soul who was loved and will be missed by so many.’
Victoria Ferrera, Housos star and model, also posted her tribute, emphasising how much respect Elrahi had shown her during their time working together.
‘I’m sorry I didn't call often and catch up with you. Just want to say how much of a pleasure it was working with you.’
'You were so kind, you treated me with so much respect,' she wrote. 'I had so many great memories with you, and I am sad I can't experience this again. I miss you.'
East West 101 and Underbelly: The Golden Mile actor Salvatore Coco paid respects to Elrahi and described him as a ‘humble, kind, funny, charismatic legend'.
‘What [is] certain is that we remember this legend and thank God that he gave us time with him,’ he said.
'Simon, I'm going to miss your laugh, humour, witty and passion for acting and advice.’
Author and radio host Michael El-Bacha said that it was ‘an honour’ working with him on The Combination: Redemption.
‘I am devastated to hear the passing of my dear friend Simon Elrahi. RIP and fly high.’
Actor George Basha praised Elrahi as ‘not only was he a great actor who has worked on so many productions but was [an] even greater human being’.
Actor and writer Bartolo said, ‘My heart is broken. Simon Elrahi. Rest in peace, you generous soul.’
Maria Tran, a Vietnamese-Australian actor, filmmaker, and martial arts star, said she was ‘deeply saddened’ when she learned about his passing.
‘A brilliant and versatile artist, Simon's contributions to our projects were invaluable, and his presence will be sorely missed,’ she said.
Friends and colleagues also described the late actor as ‘an absolute legend, great actor, and hilarious in person,’ and ‘such a kind funny soul’.
Another said, 'He was the loveliest human and always made everyone around feel great.'
The Lebanese Film Festival stated his passing, ‘It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a remarkable talent and friend of the festival, Simon Elrahi.’
'As a much-loved figure in the Australian film industry, Simon's contributions left an indelible mark on our hearts.'
You can read the festival’s full statement below:
Elrahi appeared in 52 films and television programs, including 2022's The Stranger, which starred Joel Edgerton.
He was also best known for his roles in the John Ibrahim drama Last King of the Cross and the crime movie The Combination: Redemption.
A graduate of the Actors Centre and Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney, Elrahi worked in Australian television for 30 years and left an indelible mark on the film industry.
His many awards included the audience award at the 1998 Hawaiian Film Festival and the Best Australian Film at the Sydney Indie Film Festival in 2017.
He also won the top prize at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, and his film Joseph’s Lebanese Roll was a finalist at the BlueCat Screenplay Competition and a semi-finalist at the Australia Independent Film Awards in 2019.
Aside from being an actor, Elrahi was also a trained chiropractor and science degree graduate at the University of Sydney, where he majored in anatomy, human movement, and physiology.
The golfing world is also in mourning today, following the passing of the highly-respected Scottish golfer Dale Reid, 64, after battling with cancer.
The winner of 21 titles across the Ladies European Tour career and twice crowned the Order of Merit as the season’s most successful player, Reid’s 135 top-10 finishes on Tour stand as a record to this day.
She also played during Europe’s 1992 Solheim Cup and is remembered for captaining the side to a victory in 2000.
Her efforts earned her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire that same year.
'The larger-than-life character, who was held in great affection by her fellow Tour players, caddies and staff, will be missed dearly by all who knew her,' the Ladies European Tour said in a statement.
'Reid's open and honest personality made her popular as a player and as a captain,’ it added.
‘She was one of the most successful players in the LET’s history and a tremendous ambassador for the game.'
Reid made the move to Australia with her Australian partner in 2010, but the start of her life Down Under appeared to have been challenging.
She had been in a double fatal truck and car accident shortly after arriving, where she was drenched in diesel but still ran to help those involved in the crash.
The accident claimed the lives of two people, a 31-year-old man and an eight-year-old boy, while a 26-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries.
'(Reid) was obviously quite traumatised at finding the gentleman and the boy were both dead,' her brother-in-law Roy Wicks said.
'I think she tried to cover the girl with her jacket to keep her warm.'
Since the news of Reid’s passing, tributes have been pouring in from fellow athletes and the Scottish community.
Europe’s current Solheim Cup Captain Suzann Pettersen, who made her debut under Reid, remembered her as 'the one and only'.
‘Thanks for believing in me back in 2002. You showed me what courage is all about,’ she said.
‘I’ll never forget you. Rest in peace, friend. Thoughts and love to your family and Dibs.’
Suzann Pettersen paid respects to Reid as her first captain. Credit: @suzannpettersen / Instagram
Former pro golfer Denise Hastings wrote, 'So extremely sad. I personally have fantastic memories of spending time with Dale as a junior and being on tour!! She was one of a kind! RIP my mate xx.’
Former Ladies European Tour President Mette Hageman said, 'It was very special to get to know you. What a blast it was, I will always cherish the memories. Thanks for everything you did for women’s golf in Europe.’
Rest in peace, Simon Elrahi and Dale Reid. You will be remembered and missed.
Members, were you a fan of Simon Elrahi and Dale Reid? Share your favourite stories of these two icons in the comments below.
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