Talented Australian film and television writer, director and actor Simon Elrahi, described as ‘a wonderful soul’, has died suddenly sparking an outpouring of grief.
Mr Elrahi, a father with two sons, was best known for his roles in Last King of the Cross, Deep Water and The Combination: Redemption, worked in Australian television for 30 years.
A graduate from The Actors Centre and Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney, Mr Elrahi won recognition at home and overseas for his work.
Kriv Stenders, who made the hit movie Red Dog, led the heartfelt tributes on social media.
Simon Elrahi, a Sydney father with two sons, was best known for his roles in Last King of the Cross, Deep Water and The Combination: Redemption has died suddenly
Actress Victoria Ferrera (pictured right) described Mr Elahi (above left) as ‘so kind and respectful’. Others called him ‘a wonderful soul’
‘Utterly shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Simon Elrahi,’ Mr Stenders wrote.
‘Simon was a beautiful actor who I had the pleasure and privilege of working with on a number of occasions over the years.
‘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.’
Actress Victoria Ferrera said she was ‘devastated to hear’ he passed away.
‘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. I had so many great memories with you and I am sad I can’t experience this again.
‘I miss you.’
Actor Salvatore Coco, who starred in Underbelly: The Golden Mile and East West 101, described Mr Elahi as ‘a humble, kind, funny, charismatic legend’.
‘What certain is that we remember this legend and thank God that he gave us time with him.
‘Simon I’m going to miss your laugh, humour, witty and passion for acting and advice.’
Author and radio host Michael El-Bacha said working with him on The Combination Redemption was ‘an honour’
‘I am devastated to hear the passing of my dear friend Simon Elrahi. RIP and fly high.’
Other colleagues described him as ‘an absolute legend, great actor and hilarious in person’ and ‘such a kind funny soul’.
Mr Elrahi’s film Joseph’s Lebanese Roll was finalist at the Los Angeles based BlueCat screenplay competition and semi-finalist at the Australia Independent Film Awards in 2019.
His other feature films Understanding Anatomy and Trapped made the semifinals at the Boston Screenplay Awards.
