Taylor Wily, the beloved actor known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola in the reboot of the crime drama Hawaii Five-0, has passed away at the age of 56. The news of his death was confirmed by his entertainment lawyer to CBS News, a partner of the BBC. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the BBC has reached out to Wily’s representatives for further comment.
An Enduring Legacy
Hailing from Hawaii, Taylor Wily was a cherished figure both on and off the screen. He gained widespread recognition for his recurring role as the charming and resourceful Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, a character he later reprised in the show Magnum P.I. His portrayal of Kamekona, the lovable shrimp truck owner and confidential informant, endeared him to fans worldwide.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike, mourning the loss of a man who brought warmth and joy to many. Peter Lenkov, executive producer of both Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., expressed his profound grief on Instagram. “I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feelings in a few days. Just too hard right now,” Lenkov wrote, accompanied by a picture of himself with Wily. He added that he “fell in love” with Wily at the very 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.”
A Storied Career
Before his acting career, Wily was an accomplished sumo wrestler. However, his sumo career was cut short in the late 1980s due to knee injuries. Undeterred, he transitioned to mixed martial arts and competed in the UFC, showcasing his resilience and versatility.
Wily’s move to film and television proved to be a turning point. His role as Kamekona on Hawaii Five-0, which spanned from 2010 to 2020, became his most iconic. He also appeared in seven episodes of Magnum P.I. and had a memorable role alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Despite his various roles, Wily often spoke of Hawaii Five-0 as his favorite. “It’s the best job in the world — you get to play Hollywood but be right here in Hawaii,” he said. “Home.”
Remembering Wily
Taylor Wily’s passing leaves a significant void in the entertainment world, especially among fans of Hawaii Five-0. His contributions to the series were not just limited to his on-screen performance but extended to the sense of family and camaraderie he fostered among the cast and crew.
Peter Lenkov’s heartfelt tribute underscores the deep bond Wily formed with those he worked with. “Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky we got to share that magic together,” Lenkov reminisced, highlighting their close relationship and mutual respect.
Wily’s death is a stark reminder of the transient nature of life and the lasting impact of genuine kindness and talent. As fans and colleagues continue to share their memories and tributes, it is clear that Taylor Wily will be remembered not just as a talented actor but as a beloved friend and family member to many.
