Taylor Wily, a former Samoan sumo wrestler and actor best known for his roles in “Hawaii Five-0” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” died of natural causes Thursday in Las Vegas, his manager and friend Michael J. Henderson told The Times. . . He was 56 years old.
The Hawaii-born actor stole the scene as hotel worker Kemo in the 2008 romantic comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis.
Wily appeared on CBS' “Hawaii Five-0” reboot. Wily, who played Kamekona Tupuola, a convict-turned-businessman and informant for the Hawaii Five-0 team, was promoted to regular in the show's eighth season. His character also appeared in “Magnum PI” and “MacGyver.”
Wily began his career as a sumo wrestler, competing in Japan under the name Takamikuni. At almost 440 pounds, Wily was undefeated in his first 14 matches. He retired from the sport in 1989.
After her retirement, she began training in mixed martial arts and competed in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship as Teila Tuli. He lost in his first round and did not compete again.
Former “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum PI” showrunner Peter M. Lenkov posted about Wily's death on Instagram.
“T, as I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition. You came in with a towel on your head drying your sweat and I fell in love. You captivated me into becoming a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother,” Lenkov wrote. “PS: When we talked last week, we laughed at how right you were from day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was very lucky to be able to share that magic together.”
“Hawaii Five-0” star Meaghan Rath commented a broken heart emoji under the post. Writer and producer Trey Callaway commented: “His memory of him will continue to be a blessing to millions of people.”
“Magnum PI” writer Andre Jackson retweeted the news on X and added “Aloha, buddy.”
Wily is survived by his wife, Halona Wily, and two children.
