Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler turned beloved television actor, died Thursday. He was 56 years old.
Details regarding his death, including Wily's cause of death, are currently unknown.
“Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter Lenkov confirmed Wily's death to The Associated Press and shared several tributes to his “brother” on social media.
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Taylor Wily, star of “Hawaii Five-0,” died Thursday. He was 56 years old. (Hugh Gentry)
“I, like I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition,” Lenkov captioned a video montage of moments with Taylor. “You came in with a towel on your head wiping off your sweat and I fell in love. You charmed me into becoming a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I'll miss you every day, brother.” “.
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He added: “PS: When we talked last week, we laughed about how right you were from day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky to be able to share that magic together.”
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Taylor Wily played Kamekona in “Hawaii: Five-0.” (Pictured with executive producer Peter Lenkov) (Getty Images)
Wily, whose real name was Teila Tuli, was a fan favorite of “Hawaii Five-0” and was known for playing informant Kamekona Tupuola in 171 episodes of the detective show. Wily also brought the character to “Magnum PI” for several episodes.
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After competing in sumo wrestling and then a brief stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Wily turned his attention to acting. He found fame in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” as the hotel employee Kemo who befriended Jason Segel's character.
In another post, Lenkov wrote: “I've heard from thousands of people whose lives Taylor touched. It doesn't surprise me in the least. If you knew him, he was immediately your friend. I keep hearing from people how 'approachable' he was. So true ”
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“For 10 years we talked about opening a real Kamekona shaved ice stand or a shrimp truck. Not a franchise. Just a place. So I could be there when I wasn't filming to greet customers. That's what I wanted.”
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Will Yun Lee, who worked with Taylor on “Hawaii: Five-0,” wrote on Instagram that Wily was “a prince of a man who was a king, a gentle warrior.”
Wily was a fan favorite of “Hawaii Five-0” and was known for playing informant Kamekona Tupuola in 171 episodes of the detective show. (Getty Images)
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She added: “I loved him from the moment I met him. I loved hearing all his stories, especially about the UFC. But most of all I enjoyed sitting with him in his quiet. Sending love to his family. He will be missed.”
Michelle Borth, who played Catherine Rollins in 60 episodes of the hit detective show, wrote: “My heart aches. Taylor was a gentle soul with a big, beautiful heart and an infectious smile. I am grateful for the memories and time she had. we share”. “We will miss you, but we will never forget you, my friend.”
Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and two children.
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