Beloved "Hawaii Five-0" Actor Taylor Wily Passes Away at 56

Former sumo wrestler turned television actor Taylor Wily, known for his role as informant Kamekona Tupuola in "Hawaii Five-0," has tragically passed away at the age of 56. Wily's death was confirmed by "Hawaii Five-0" executive producer Peter Lenkov, although the details surrounding his cause of death remain unknown.

Lenkov expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, referring to Wily as his "brother" in a heartfelt tribute on social media. He shared a video montage of cherished moments spent with Taylor and reminisced about how Wily's charm had convinced him to make him a regular on the show. Lenkov emphasized the close bond they shared both on and off-screen, describing Wily as family.

Taylor Wily, originally born Teila Tuli, left a lasting impact on the popular detective show. He portrayed Kamekona Tupuola in an impressive 171 episodes of "Hawaii Five-0" and even took the character to a few episodes of "Magnum P.I." His portrayal of the lovable informant made him a fan-favorite.

Before delving into the world of acting, Wily had an illustrious career in sumo wrestling, followed by a short stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, he found true fame when he played the role of hotel employee Kemo in the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," where he formed a friendship with Jason Segel's character.

Lenkov's social media posts revealed the profound impact Wily had on those who crossed paths with him. Thousands of people reached out to express how Taylor had touched their lives. Many of these messages described Wily as incredibly approachable and quick to become a friend.

Actor Will Yun Lee, who worked with Wily on "Hawaii Five-0," shared his admiration for the late actor on Instagram. He described Taylor as a "gentle warrior" and a "prince of a man" who was beloved by all. Lee mentioned how much he enjoyed listening to Wily's stories, particularly about the UFC. He extended his condolences to Wily's family and expressed that he would be deeply missed.

Another "Hawaii Five-0" co-star, Michelle Borth, who played Catherine Rollins on the show, shared her heartache over Wily's passing. She described him as a gentle soul with a big heart and an infectious smile. Borth expressed gratitude for the memories they shared and promised that Wily would never be forgotten.

Taylor Wily leaves behind his wife, Halona, and their two children as he is mourned by fans and colleagues alike. The entertainment industry has lost a talented actor, and his presence on "Hawaii Five-0" will be deeply missed. The cause of his untimely death remains a mystery as his loved ones and fans come to terms with the loss of a beloved performer.