According to a recent report by TVLine, Taylor Wily (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, MacGyver, Radical), best known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on the television series Hawaii Five-0, passed away on June 20, 2024, at the age of 56. The actor, who had a career that spanned acting, sumo wrestling and mixed martial arts, died of natural causes at his home in Hurricane, Utah.
Wily’s career began in the world of sumo wrestling, where he competed under the name Teila Tuli. As mentioned by TVLine, he made history as one of the few non-Japanese sumo wrestlers to compete professionally in Japan. After retiring from sumo, Wily transitioned to mixed martial arts, making a notable appearance in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in 1993.
Can reword to say, “As mentioned by TVLine, Wily’s acting career took off with a role in the comedy film Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which came out in 2008, where he played a friendly hotel worker. However, it was his role on Hawaii Five-0 that brought him widespread recognition. As Kamekona Tupuola, a former criminal turned entrepreneur, Wily appeared in 171 episodes of the show from 2010 to 2020. His character was beloved for his comedic relief and entrepreneurial spirit, running various businesses such as a shrimp truck and a helicopter tour service.
According to TVLine, Peter Lenkov (Son in Law, R.I.P.D, Magnum P.I), the executive producer of Hawaii Five-0, remembered Wily fondly in a tribute, highlighting how the actor’s charm and talent made him an integral part of the show and a cherished friend. “You charmed me into making you a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family,” Lenkov wrote.
Wily’s contributions extended beyond the screen; he was known for his generosity and community involvement, including visits to children at Shriners Children’s Hawaii Hospital. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who remembered him as a kind and talented individual who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.