We have written previously about the down side of Social Media, and the reasons why an actor or director might leave Social Media altogether. But besides connecting an actor to his fans, there is also another, softer, more personal side to a Social Media platform like Twitter.

We recently connected with Simon Skyfall, “an actor, Equity member, Pilot, FSX nutter, lover of aviation, Arsenal fan, and lazy Writer.” Asked why he calls himself Simon Skyfall he explains on his website.

“As you can see from this screen shot of the 2013 massive James Bond hit film Skyfall, I was a supporting artist who was lucky enough to have been featured in three shots in the James Bond movie. That’s me with the goatee beard looking very serious, but inside I could not stop screaming ‘I’m in a James Bond film!'”

Simon in James Bond film Skyfall

Simon was also featured in Gary Shore’s Dracula Untold alongside Luke Evans. He is a Pilot’s License Trainee and according to his Twitter page bio “Oh Yea nearly forgot, have cancer,never mind.” Born in England 1966, he was “given the wonderful 48th birthday present of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

But instead of being negative he sees this as an opportunity to reach out to others, people in the same situation as himself, who need support. He is writing in his blog about his career, life, family, and his treatment to “get it out there as a part of my therapy to make sense of my life and my illness. Hope you don’t mind.”

Simon enjoys the support he receives from his followers on Twitter and writes on his blog, “Another thing that has really lifted up my spirits is the social media platform of Twitter. I have had such a fantastic response on this and have so many fabulous and caring followers its an absolute joy to use, so I really recommend you if you haven’t already to sign up and join in the fun, there are so many good, kind and warm hearted people out there you can connect to.”

@TheRealLukevans sir I hope you dont object to this shot of my acting in a scene with you in @DraculaUntold regards. pic.twitter.com/yaJoLKYDhg

— Simon Skyfall (@SimonSkyfall) April 3, 2015

Simon only tweeted yesterday about having been very ill, but all the kind follows and tweets really helped him to get through the day. One follower in particular put, according to him, “a massive smile on his face” through her hard work trying to get more people to follow this inspirational person! Even bad days like these make him “appreciate the good days far more; to fight to have more of them. It’s going 2 b ok”.

We were so impressed by his positive attitude that he kindly allowed us to share his story. “It would be a privilege and an honor to be a part of this and being able to help out.” To find out more about this amazing man and how he is taking his life one day at a time, take a look at his blog and follow him on Twitter to support his fight against cancer.

[Image via Simon Skyfall]