Hawaiian-born actor Taylor Wily, former Sumo wrestler best known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on CBS's Hawaii Five-0, has passed away at the age of 56.
- Jun 22, 2024
AceShowbiz - Taylor Wily, a beloved actor, former sumo wrestler, and mixed martial artist, died from natural causes on Thursday, June 20 as confirmed by his manager, Michael J. Henderson. Known to many fans as Kamekona Tupuola from CBS's hit series "Hawaii Five-0", Wily had a significant impact on both the entertainment and sports worlds.
Peter Lenkov, the executive producer who worked with Wily on Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I., and MacGyver, expressed his grief in an Instagram post, saying, "I fell in love with you at the first audition. 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."
These heartfelt words were accompanied by a montage of memories, highlighting the close bond they shared.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1968 as Teila Tuli, Wily first made a name for himself in sumo wrestling under the name Takamikuni. Despite a promising start, winning his first 14 matches, Wily's sumo career was cut short in 1989 due to knee problems. He also dipped his toes into mixed martial arts, participating in the first-ever UFC fight in 1993, which ended in just 26 seconds after a face-kick defeat.
Transitioning to acting, Wily landed his breakout role in the 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", where he played the character Kemo, a bartender. However, it was his role as Kamekona Tupuola in "Hawaii Five-0" which solidified his status as a household name. Over the show's ten seasons, Wily's portrayal of the charismatic, yet somewhat roguish, informant became a fan favorite. He went on to reprise this role in "MacGyver" and "Magnum P.I."
Reflecting on Wily's impact, his sister, Alyssa Wily Tonga, shared her family's tributes on social media, posting videos of family gatherings and a touching rendition of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" by his nieces and nephews. "Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to: Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes," she wrote.
Wily's death occurred in Hurricane, Utah, though the exact cause remains undisclosed. He is survived by his wife Halona and their two children. As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of this larger-than-life figure, Taylor Wily's legacy endures through the fond memories of his friends, family, and legions of fans.
