Honolulu, Hawaii – Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler known for his roles in the “Hawaii Five-0” reboot and movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” passed away at the age of 56. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
The news of Wily’s passing was confirmed by local media outlets in Hawaii, including KITV, and through Instagram posts from “Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter M. Lenkov. Lenkov expressed his devastation over the loss and shared his memories of working with Wily on the show.
Wily, who portrayed Kamekona Tupuola in 171 episodes of “Hawaii Five-0,” was a beloved member of the cast and also made appearances on other rebooted series like “MacGyver” and “Magnum P.I.” Before pursuing acting, Wily had a successful career in sumo wrestling, UFC, and MMA.
Born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Wily leaves behind his wife Halona and their two children. His larger-than-life presence on screen and in real life will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of Wily, remembering him for his talent, charm, and dedication to his craft. His legacy as an actor and former athlete will continue to inspire and resonate with many who followed his career.
The impact of Wily’s work in the entertainment industry, especially in a popular series like “Hawaii Five-0,” has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. His contributions to the show and his talent as an actor will be remembered fondly by those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him.
In this time of grief, the entertainment community and fans of Wily’s work come together to celebrate his life and honor his memory. His unique presence on screen and the warmth he brought to his roles will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.