Sad news from Hollywood reaches fans today. Taylor Wily, the actor who brought warmth and laughter to our screens as Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0,” has passed away. He was just 56.
Wily wasn’t just a talented actor, but a man with a big heart. Fans will remember his infectious smile and the way he brightened every scene.
Loss of a Gem
While details surrounding Taylor Wily death remain unclear, one thing is certain: the world has lost a one-of-a-kind talent.
Wily, a former wrestler and MMA fighter known for his imposing physique, surprised everyone with his genuine warmth.
As his co-star described him, “He would look physically menacing until you just folded right into a hug, and that was it.”
More Than Just Kamekona
Wily’s charm transcended the screen. Fans who knew him beyond “Hawaii Five-0” might recognize him from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” or shows like “MacGyver” and “North Shore.”
But for many, he’ll forever be the unforgettable Kamekona, a character he portrayed for a whopping 10 seasons.
Tributes Pour In
The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood. “Hawaii Five-0” creator Peter Lenkov shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling Wily “family” and revealing their shared dream of working on the show.
T, as I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition. You came in with a towel on your head mopping up sweat, and I was smitten. 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.
PS: when we spoke last week, we laughed at how right you were from Day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky we got to share that magic together.
Peter Lenkov
Jorge Garcia, best known for his role as Hurley on “Lost,” worked alongside Wily on “Hawaii Five-0.”
Garcia took to social media to express his sorrow, likely reflecting the close bond they formed during the show’s ten-year run.
Sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Wily. Big guy with an even bigger heart. He brought me joy from the moment I first saw him spoofing me in a local LOST themed commercial. I was always happy to see him. Will miss him greatly.
Another “Hawaii Five-0” alum, Will Yun Lee, also shared his condolences. While specifics of his message are unavailable, it’s clear that Wily’s warmth and talent resonated deeply with those who worked with him.
Heartbroken Family Remembers Taylor Wily with Love and Music
News of Taylor Wily’s passing has reached his loved ones, who are sharing their grief and celebrating his life.
Wily’s sister, Alyssa Wily Tonga, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook alongside a video of the family gathering. Their message?
“Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to. Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes.”
The video even features Wily’s nephews singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” a testament to the positive spirit they’re trying to maintain.
Another niece, Latoya Levaiosina, expressed her condolences on social media as well. “It still feels like a bad dream,” she wrote. She also mentioned missing her “Uncle Tee” and the close bond he shared with their father.
Wily’s wife, Halona, and their two children are also undoubtedly facing this difficult time. While details about their private mourning remain unknown, the outpouring of love from Wily’s extended family paints a picture of a close-knit group remembering a cherished member.
A Legacy of Aloha
Taylor Wily’s unexpected passing leaves a void in the hearts of his fans and loved ones.
This gentle giant, who started his career throwing down in the sumo ring, will be remembered for his infectious smile, his kindness, and the unforgettable spirit of Aloha he brought to every role.
Before his untimely passing at the age of 56, Taylor Wily carved a unique path in the entertainment industry.
While many will instantly recognize him from his role as the affable Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0,” Wily’s journey began far from the bright lights of Hollywood.
Born Teila Tuli in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1968, Wily’s early life was steeped in the rich traditions of his island home. However, his athletic prowess soon became evident, and he found himself drawn to the demanding world of sumo wrestling.
Under the name Takamikuni, Wily rose through the ranks, amassing an impressive undefeated record in his first 14 matches.
This success even translated to the budding sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), where Wily competed in the first-ever televised UFC event in 1993.
Eventually, Wily transitioned from the ring to the screen. His imposing physique and undeniable charisma caught the eye of casting directors, leading to roles in films like the 2008 rom-com “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
But it was his portrayal of Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0” that truly catapulted him to fame.
Initially appearing as a recurring character, Wily quickly became a fan favorite with his laid-back charm and unwavering loyalty to the Five-0 team.
His popularity grew so much that he was eventually promoted to series regular, a testament to the impact he made on the show.
Taylor Wily’s life:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | Teila Tuli, 1968, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Known By | Taylor Wily |
| Sumo Wrestling Rank | Makushita (3rd highest division) |
| Sumo Wrestling Achievements | First foreign-born champion (unverified) |
| MMA Career Name | Teila Tuli |
| MMA Debut | UFC 1: The Beginning (1993) |
| MMA Opponent | Gerard Gordeau (Dutch kickboxer) |
| MMA Fight Result | Loss by TKO (head kick) |
| Acting Career Debut | Unknown (before 2008) |
| Movies | Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) |
| Television Shows (Main) | Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020) |
| Television Shows (Recurring) | Magnum P.I. |
| Character (Most معروف ma’roof – famous) | Kamekona Tupuola |
| Wife | Halona |
| Children | 2 |
| Death | June 21, 2024 (age 56) |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly disclosed (as of June 22, 2024) |
Fans Remember Taylor Wily’s “David vs. Goliath” UFC Debut
While many mourned Taylor Wily for his iconic role as Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0,” the news of his passing also resonated deeply with fans of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Just 30 years ago, Wily, then known as Teila Tuli, stepped into the octagon for a history-making clash in the very first televised UFC event, “UFC 1: The Beginning.”
This fight, a true “David vs. Goliath” spectacle, pitted Wily, a former sumo wrestler, against the much larger and more experienced Dutch kickboxer Gerard Gordeau.
Though Wily ultimately lost by technical knockout, his participation cemented him as a pioneer of the sport.
News of Wily’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with fans remembering him as a true trailblazer.
Dedicated UFC fan accounts honored his legacy, highlighting the iconic nature of his fight and his place in MMA history.
One post read, “Teila Tuli—one half of the first TELEVISED UFC bout in history—has died aged 56… Regardless of the result, Tuli was part of one another of the most iconic moments in combat sports history.”
Another poignant message simply stated, “The first fighter to ever step inside the UFC octagon for the first ever fight. A pioneer of MMA. Rip Teila Tuli.”
Wily’s journey from sumo wrestler to UFC fighter to beloved television actor showcases his versatility and adventurous spirit. His impact extended beyond “Hawaii Five-0,” leaving a lasting mark on the early days of MMA and earning the respect of fight fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Taylor Wily’s cause of death?
A: As of today, June 22, 2024, the official cause of Taylor Wily’s death has not been made public.
Q: When and where was Taylor Wily born?
A: Wily was born Teila Tuli in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1968.
Q: What was Taylor Wily’s highest rank in sumo wrestling?
A: Wily achieved the rank of makushita, the third-highest division in professional sumo wrestling.
Q: Did Taylor Wily win any sumo wrestle championships?
A: According to some reports, Wily was the first foreign-born wrestler to win a championship in the makushita division.
Q: In which movie did Taylor Wily appear besides “Hawaii Five-0”?
A: Wily had a role in the 2008 romantic comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Q: How many seasons of “Hawaii Five-0” did Taylor Wily appear in?
A: Wily played Kamekona for all 10 seasons of “Hawaii Five-0” (2010-2020).
Q: Did Taylor Wily reprise his role as Kamekona in any other shows?
A: Yes, Wily appeared as Kamekona in several episodes of the “Hawaii Five-0” reboot series “Magnum P.I.”
Q: Was Taylor Wily married?
A: Yes, Taylor Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children.
Wrapping Up
- Taylor Wily’s unexpected passing leaves a void in the hearts of his fans and loved ones.
- This gentle giant, who started his career throwing down in the sumo ring, will be remembered for his infectious smile, his kindness, and the unforgettable spirit of Aloha he brought to every role.
- While no official cause of death has been released, an outpouring of grief has flooded social media, with fans sharing their favorite Kamekona moments and expressing their condolences.
- It remains to be seen how the characters of Kamekona will be addressed in future “Hawaii Five-0” or “Magnum P.I.” projects, but one thing is certain: Taylor Wily’s legacy will live on.