Actor Alon Aboutboul, known for his standout role as Avi Drexler on the hit series Snowfall, has died at the age of 60.
Internal Link: Read our previous feature on Snowfall cast updates here.
According to reports, tragedy struck Tuesday morning at HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv, Israel. Witnesses say Aboutboul had just returned from swimming when he mentioned he wasn’t feeling well. Moments later, he collapsed on the sand. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly for nearly an hour, but unfortunately, their efforts couldn’t save him.
Shelly Aloni, CEO of the talent agency that represented Aboutboul, released a heartbreaking statement to The Post:
“Alon Aboutboul, a father, a man, an actor, an artist, and above all, our beloved longtime friend, passed away this morning. Alon, I love you.”
At this time, the official cause of death remains unknown.
Tributes pour in for Alon Aboutboul’s impact on culture and film
Israel’s Minister for Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor the legendary actor.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of the actor Alon Aboutboul, may his memory be blessed. Over the years, he portrayed a wide range of characters, bringing depth and emotion to them, leaving a profound mark on Israeli culture.”
Aboutboul leaves behind his wife, Shir Bilia, and their four children.
The veteran actor was beloved in both Israel and Hollywood. He cemented his place in pop culture by starring in The Dark Knight Rises as Russian nuclear physicist Dr. Leonid Pavel, a role that put him side-by-side with Tom Hardy’s iconic Bane character.
Alon Aboutboul’s incredible journey: From Israel to Hollywood
Born May 28, 1965, in Kiryat Ata, Israel, Alon Aboutboul broke onto the scene with his breakout role in Two Fingers from Sidon in 1986. Just two years later, he was appearing in Rambo III with Sylvester Stallone.
From there, his resume only got heavier. Aboutboul appeared in Ridley Scott’s action thriller Body of Lies in 2011, the political hit London Has Fallen in 2016, and the emotional drama Septembers of Shiraz with Adrien Brody and Salma Hayek. That film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015 and further solidified his reputation as a world-class actor.
On television, he was versatile and consistent, snagging roles in fan favorites like Homeland, NCIS, Castle, The Leftovers, Twin Peaks, and Hawaii Five-0. But it was his performance as Avi Drexler in FX’s Snowfall that really hit with the culture.
Hollywood and fans mourn Alon Aboutboul’s sudden death
Aboutboul’s death has left fans, co-stars, and the Hollywood community in shock. Social media has been flooded with tributes, highlighting how his presence on-screen and off-screen was truly unmatched.
For many, Avi Drexler was more than a character. He was gritty, charming, and unpredictable—everything that made Snowfall one of the most talked-about series of the last decade.