Taylor Wily, Beloved ‘Hawaii Five-0’ Actor, Passes Away at 56

Taylor Wily, Beloved ‘Hawaii Five-0’ Actor, Passes Away at 56

A Life Remembered:

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Taylor Wily, the charismatic actor best known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on the hit television series “Hawaii Five-0.” Wily, who passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from natural causes, was 56 years old. His death has left a void in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, and the Hawaiian community.

A Larger-Than-Life Personality:

Born and raised in Laie, Oahu, Wily was a beloved figure in Hawaii, known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious smile. Before his acting career, Wily was a professional sumo wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit.

Breakthrough Role on “Hawaii Five-0”:

Wily’s breakthrough role came in 2010 when he was cast as Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0.” His character, a former convict turned entrepreneur and confidential informant, quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to Wily’s comedic timing, warm presence, and authentic portrayal of Hawaiian culture.

A Beloved Character:

Kamekona’s shave ice truck became a staple of the show, and his interactions with the main characters, particularly Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin), provided many lighthearted and memorable moments. Wily’s portrayal of Kamekona resonated with audiences, showcasing the diversity and richness of Hawaiian culture.

Other Notable Roles:

Apart from his iconic role on “Hawaii Five-0,” Wily also appeared in other popular shows like “Magnum P.I.” and “MacGyver,” reprising his beloved Kamekona character. He also had a memorable role as the bartender Kemo in the comedy film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” starring Jason Segel and Kristen Bell.

Tributes from Colleagues:

Peter Lenkov, the executive producer of “Hawaii Five-0,” expressed his deep sorrow over Wily’s passing, calling him “family” and stating that he will be deeply missed. Other cast members and crew members of “Hawaii Five-0” also shared their condolences and fond memories of working with Wily, highlighting his kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit.

A Loss for the Hawaiian Community:

Wily’s death is a significant loss for the Hawaiian community, as he was a proud representative of his culture and heritage. His portrayal of Kamekona helped to showcase the unique spirit and hospitality of Hawaii to a global audience. Wily was also actively involved in community events and initiatives, always willing to lend a helping hand and make a positive impact.

A Legacy of Joy and Laughter:

Taylor Wily’s legacy will be one of joy, laughter, and warmth. His infectious smile, larger-than-life personality, and genuine love for Hawaii will forever be remembered by those who knew him. His performances on screen brought happiness to millions of viewers, and his presence off-screen touched the lives of many.

Conclusion:

As we mourn the loss of Taylor Wily, we celebrate his life and the joy he brought to so many. His contributions to the entertainment industry and the Hawaiian community will not be forgotten. He will forever be remembered as a talented actor, a beloved friend, and a proud representative of his culture.

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