Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul, who starred as “Avi” in FX’s Snowfall and appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as The Dark Knight Rises and Rambo III, has died at the age of 60.
What To Know
- Aboutboul collapsed on HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning, local media reports.
- Lifeguards administered CPR, but he could not be revived.
- Born in Kiryat Ata in 1965, Aboutboul built a prolific career spanning over 100 film and television credits.
- He gained international recognition with appearances in Rambo III, Body of Lies, and FX’s Snowfall, where he played Avi Drexler across 25 episodes.
- Aboutboul is survived by his wife, Shir Bilia, and their four children.
Newsweek’s live blog is closed.

Actor Alon Moni Aboutboul attends the premiere of “London Has Fallen” at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on March 1, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Costars pay tribute to Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul
Actor and director Amin Joseph has paid tribute to star Alon Aboutboul after his death aged 60 on Tuesday.
Joseph, who starred as Jerome Saint in crime drama Snowfall across from Aboutboul, shared several pictures of himself with the actor on Instagram.
“Rest in power, Alon Aboutboul,” he wrote in the post accompanying the pictures.
“Your work as Abi Drexler on Snowfall left a lasting impression—sharp, layered, unforgettable. You brought truth to every frame. Grateful we shared the screen,” added Joseph, who has also appeared in movies suck as The Expendables and Baywatch.
Where did Alon Aboutboul die?
Alon Aboutboul had been swimming at the popular HaBonim Beach, in Tel Aviv, Israel, before he collapsed on the shore.
Officially known as Dor HaBonim Beach Nature Reserve, the area a stunning 3-mile stretch of protected Mediterranean coastline located about 15 miles south of Haifa, Israel.
HaBonim’s rugged beauty and convenient amenities makes it especially popular among families, hikers, and photographers, with spring and early summer being ideal times to visit before the beach becomes crowded on summer weekends.
Aboutboul was also a star of the stage
While he may be better known in the U.S. for his roles on the big and small screens, Alon Aboutboul also had an established stage career.
Highlights including starring in Hamlet at Tel Aviv’s Habima Theatre, and his appearance in the London production of musical The Band’s Visit.
Who did Alon Aboutboul play in Snowfall?

Alon Moni Aboutboul, left, Michael Hyatt, center, and Angela Lewis, cast members in the FX television series “Snowfall,” share a laugh at the third season premiere of the show, Monday, July 8, 2019, in Los…
Chris Pizzello/AP
Alon Aboutboul portrayed Avi Drexler in the FX crime drama Snowfall, appearing in seasons 1 through 5, across 25 episodes.
He plays an Israeli drug lord and arms dealer who becomes a key international supplier for Franklin Saint’s drug network in Los Angeles
How did Alon Aboutboul die?
An official cause of death has not been found for the Israeli-born actor.
But local media reports that the 60-year-old was found dead on Tuesday, at HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv after going swimming.
Lifeguards attempted to perform CPR but were unable to revive him.
Alon Aboutboul’s film legacy spans decades and continents
Here is a list of projects Alon Aboutboul was in:
Drama
- Nina’s Tragedies
- Beaufort
- Noodle
- A Place in Heaven
- Harmonia
- Noble Savage
- Lansky
- Is That You?
- She is Coming Home
- Out of the Blue
- Septembers of Shiraz
Action / Thriller
- Rambo III
- Body of Lies
- Munich
- The Dark Knight Rises
- London Has Fallen
- Boyka: Undisputed
- Killing Streets
- Deadly Heroes
- The Order
- MK Ultra
Crime / Mystery
- Snowfall
- Fringe
- FBI: International
- Beirut
- Ha-Versha
- Campaign
Romance
- Every Time We Say Goodbye
- Love at Second Sight
- Is That You?
Israeli Cultural / Historical
- Shtei Etzbaot Mi’Tzidon
- Ehad Mishelanu
- Ha-Kochav hakachol
- Ha-Khetzi HaSheni
- Rack Lavim Ratzim Hofshi
- 7 Days
- Kol Abuvtai
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar pays tribute to Alon Aboutboul
Following the sudden death of acclaimed Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul, Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, praising the late performer’s enduring passion and cultural impact.
Zohar recalled watching a recent interview with Aboutboul, in which the actor spoke about his latest film project. “The passion for his craft radiated from him,” Zohar wrote, noting that Aboutboul’s dedication remained strong throughout his decades-long career.
Zohar said that Aboutboul’s work left a “profound mark on Israeli culture,” and closed his message with the traditional Hebrew blessing: “May his memory be blessed.”
כאבתי מאוד לשמוע על מותו הפתאומי של השחקן אלון אבוטבול ז”ל.
אמש צפיתי בראיון עימו, שבו דיבר על צילומי סרט שהשתתף בו לאחרונה, והתשוקה למקצוע שקרנה ממנו החוצה הייתה ניכרת גם אחרי כל כך הרבה שנים בתחום.
אלון היה זוכה פרס אופיר ופרס האקדמיה לטלוויזיה וגילם לאורך השנים מגוון רחב של…— Miki Zohar מיקי זוהר (@zoharm7) July 29, 2025
Alon Aboutboul, star of ‘Dark Knight Rises,’ dies at 60

Actor Alon Moni Aboutboul attends the premiere of “London Has Fallen” at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on March 1, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul, known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises and London Has Fallen, died Tuesday at age 60 after collapsing on HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv. Lifeguards administered CPR, but he could not be revived.
Born in Kiryat Ata in 1965, Aboutboul built a prolific career spanning over 100 film and television credits. He gained international recognition with appearances in Rambo III, Body of Lies, and FX’s Snowfall, where he played Avi Drexler across 25 episodes.
Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar paid tribute to Aboutboul, calling him a “profound” influence on Israeli culture and praising his emotional depth and versatility on screen.
Aboutboul is survived by his wife, Shir Bilia, and their four children. At the time of his death, he was preparing to co-write and star in a new film titled Jacob’s Dream.