LOS ANGELES — Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler who became known for his role as confidential informant Kamekona Tupuola on both “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I,” has died, his friend and a “Hawaii Five-0” producer both said Friday. He was 56.
“Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter M. Lenkov confirmed his death to The Associated Press and shared multiple tributes to the actor on Instagram, writing “I am devastated. Heartbroken” in a caption of a photo of the two.
KITV 4, based in Honolulu, was the first to report Wily’s death on Thursday. Additional details about the cause remain unknown. TV and radio personality Lina Girl Langi said on the show “Island Life Live” that she announced the news “with a heavy heart,” as Wily was a friend.
Lenkov, Wily’s longtime friend and collaborator, shared a second post later on Thursday with a video montage featuring photos and clips with Wily. He wrote, “You charmed me into making you a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”
In an additional statement to the AP, Lenkov said it was hard to describe how “special” Wily was and lauded the actor for his skills.
“Despite the fact that a lot of his ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Magnum’ scenes featured his comedy skills, he was an incredible dramatic actor, as well,” Lenvok said. “I had developed a script a couple years back and wrote him a role and was hoping to put him in my next project. I just wanted to keep him close… not just as a friend, but as an artist. Devastated I won’t get that opportunity.”
Wily played Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0” from 2010 through 2020 and became a fan-favorite. He continued in the same role with the reboot of “Magnum P.I.” and made a memorable appearance as a hotel worker in the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Before he began acting, Wily, born Teila Tuli, was a well-known sumo wrestler and UFC 1 fighter. He became the first knockout victim in UFC history in 1993 when opponent Gerard Gordeau’s kick knocked a tooth clear out of Wily’s mouth, ending the fight after just 26 seconds.
Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children.
Former UFC fighter Taylor Wily, who was best known for his role as Kamekona on the hit TV show ‘Hawaii Five-0’, has passed away at the age of 56. Wily was a beloved figure in the world of mixed martial arts and entertainment, and his death has come as a shock to many.
Wily began his career in the UFC in the early 1990s, where he quickly gained a reputation as a fierce competitor with a unique fighting style. He was known for his powerful strikes and aggressive grappling techniques, which earned him a loyal following of fans. Wily’s career in the UFC was cut short due to injuries, but he continued to stay involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to up-and-coming fighters.
In addition to his success in the octagon, Wily also found success in the world of acting. He landed the role of Kamekona on ‘Hawaii Five-0’ in 2010, and quickly became a fan favorite for his comedic timing and larger-than-life personality. Wily’s portrayal of the lovable entrepreneur and crime boss endeared him to audiences around the world, and he quickly became one of the show’s most popular characters.
Wily’s passing has left a void in both the MMA and entertainment communities, as fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of a talented and kind-hearted individual. Tributes have been pouring in from fellow fighters, actors, and fans, all of whom remember Wily as a true professional and a true friend.
Wily’s legacy will live on through his work in the octagon and on screen, as well as through the memories of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his passion, his talent, and his larger-than-life personality, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Taylor Wily. You will always be remembered as a true champion in every sense of the word.
