Current:Home > StocksTaylor Wily, 'Hawaii Five-0' and 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' actor, dies at 56 -Wealth Evolution Experts
Taylor Wily, 'Hawaii Five-0' and 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' actor, dies at 56
View
Date:2025-04-14 01:30:08
Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler and UFC fighter who went on to portray entrepreneur and informant Kamekona for 10 seasons on the CBS revival of "Hawaii Five-0," has died.
He was 56.
His manager, Michael Henderson, confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday that Wily died Thursday, citing "natural causes."
Honolulu's KITV4 Island News was first to report on Wily's passing.
“Hawaii Five-0” showrunner Peter M. Lenkov paid tribute to Wily — born Teila Tuli — in an Instagram post Thursday.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now," he captioned a photo of the two of them.
In a follow-up post featuring photos of the actor from throughout the years, Lenkov wrote, "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."
He added, "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."
In his Instagram Stories, Lenkov revealed he "never got tired of watching (Wily), and he was an incredible actor."
Wily also made several crossover appearances as Kamekona on Seasons 1 and 2 of "Magnum P.I." per IMDB.
Wily's Kamekona — the task force's confidential informant and an entrepreneur who ran Waiola Shave Ice, Kamekona's Shrimp Truck and Kamekona's Helicopter Tours — made his debut in the "Hawaii Five-O" premiere in 2010. He remained in the role until the CBS series came to an end in 2020.
Wily was also featured in the 2008 rom-com "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and played hotel worker Kemo, who becomes a confidant to Peter Bretter, played by Jason Segel.
veryGood! (64)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Diana Taurasi changed the WNBA by refusing to change herself
- New York City Youth Strike Against Fossil Fuels and Greenwashing in Advance of NYC Climate Week
- Judge asked to cancel referendum in slave descendants’ zoning battle with Georgia county
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Youngest NFL players: Jets RB Braelon Allen tops list for 2024
- Man accused in shootings near homeless encampments in Minneapolis
- Diana Taurasi changed the WNBA by refusing to change herself
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Lizzo Unveils Before-and-After Look at Weight Loss Transformation
Ranking
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- New York magazine says its star political reporter is on leave after a relationship was disclosed
- Charlize Theron's Daughters Jackson and August Look So Tall in New Family Photo
- Carrie Coon insists she's not famous. 'His Three Daughters' might change that.
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- How to recognize the signs and prevent abuse in youth sports
- Patriots coach Jerod Mayo backs Jacoby Brissett as starting quarterback
- Hilarie Burton Shares Update on One Tree Hill Revival
Recommendation
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
The Fate of Pretty Little Liars Reboot Revealed After 2 Seasons
Aaron Rodgers isn't a savior just yet, but QB could be just what Jets need
Gunfire outside a high school football game injures one and prompts a stadium evacuation
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
New Jersey Devils agree to three-year deal with Dawson Mercer
North America’s Biggest Food Companies Are Struggling to Lower Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Youngest NFL players: Jets RB Braelon Allen tops list for 2024