Hawaii Five-0 actor and UFC fighter Taylor Wily, best known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on the hit TV show, has tragically passed away at the age of 56. The news of his untimely death was confirmed on Thursday.
Taylor’s sister, Alyssa, took to Facebook to share a heartfelt video of their family gathering to pay tribute to the beloved Hawaiian actor. In the video, the family can be seen enjoying outdoor activities like playing ball games and board games, while others cooked and shared meals indoors. Alyssa captioned the clip, “Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to. Family, Food, Music, and Good Vibes. Aurrrrrrighhhhh (in his voice).”
As of right now, the cause of Taylor’s death has not been disclosed.
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More On Taylor Wily
Born on June 14, 1968, in Laie, Hawaii, Taylor whose birth name was Teila Tul, began his acting career in 2004 with a role in the TV show North Shore. However, it was his portrayal of Kamekona on all 10 seasons of Hawaii Five-0 that catapulted him to fame.
Kamekona, Taylor’s character, was an informant for the police and operated various businesses, including a shrimp food truck, a helicopter tours company, and Wailoa Shaved Ice. The CBS police drama aired from 2010 to 2020 and became a fan favorite.
Taylor also reprised his role as Kamekona in the related series, Magnum P.I. In addition to his television work, he appeared in the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, alongside Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Paul Rudd. Taylor was also featured in the short movie Gut Instinct.Beyond his acting career, Taylor had a background in sumo wrestling and mixed martial arts.
He leaves behind his daughter TulaLagalaga Tatalo and son YoungAsia.