Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler turned television actor, passed away at the age of 56. The exact cause of his death is currently unknown. The news of his passing was confirmed by “Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter Lenkov, who expressed his deep sadness and shared heartfelt tributes to his colleague on social media.
Wily, born Teila Tuli, was widely recognized for his role as informant Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0.” He appeared in 171 episodes of the popular detective series and also made appearances on “Magnum P.I.” Lenkov fondly recalled how he was instantly drawn to Wily during his audition for the show, describing him as a charming and lovable individual who quickly became a part of his extended family.
Prior to his acting career, Wily had a background in sumo wrestling and even competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, it was his role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” as hotel employee Kemo that helped him gain recognition in the entertainment industry. Lenkov also revealed that Wily had aspirations of opening a real shave ice stand or shrimp truck inspired by his character Kamekona, where he could personally greet customers during breaks from filming.
Many of Wily’s colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry have shared their heartfelt condolences and memories of the actor. Will Yun Lee, who worked with Wily on “Hawaii Five-0,” described him as a “prince of a man” and a “gentle warrior.” Actress Michelle Borth, who appeared alongside Wily on the show, expressed her deep sorrow at his passing, praising his kind and warm-hearted nature.
Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children. His sudden death has left a significant impact on his fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community as a whole. The legacy of his work on screen and his genuine personality will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.