Taylor Wily, the actor best known for playing Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0,” has passed away at the age of 56.
His death was confirmed by the show’s creator, Peter M. Lenkov, and local Hawaiian media.
Taylor was a beloved figure, and his passing is a significant loss.
In this post, I’ll share his life, career, and impact on the entertainment world.
Key Highlights of Taylor Wily’s Life and Legacy
- Diverse Career: Taylor Wily, born Teila Tuli, excelled in sumo wrestling, UFC, and acting, best known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0” and his part in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
- Family: Survived by his wife Halona and two children, Wily’s family has asked for privacy during this time.
- Legacy and Net Worth: Estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million, Wily’s contributions to entertainment and sports left a lasting impact.
Which Actor from Hawaii Five-0 Has Passed Away?
Taylor Wily, who played Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0,” has died at 56. He was loved for his warm personality and humor. His death has left many fans and friends sad.
“Taylor was a joy to work with. His laughter was infectious, and he brought such light to every scene he was in. We’ll miss him dearly,” said Peter M. Lenkov, the creator of “Hawaii Five-0,” in an interview with Variety.
Who Confirmed the Death and Which Station Reported It?
Taylor Wily’s entertainment attorney confirmed his death to CBS News.
Local Hawaiian news station KITV also reported the news.
This shows how important he was to both the local and entertainment communities.
Is the Cause of Taylor’s Death Known?
The cause of Taylor’s death hasn’t been shared publicly.
His manager and news reports confirmed his passing but didn’t provide details.
He died in Hurricane, Utah, but his family has kept further information private.
What Do We Know About Taylor Wily’s Family?
Taylor Wily, born Teila Tuli, is survived by his wife Halona and their two children.
His family has asked for privacy during this hard time.
Taylor’s love for his family was clear, and they were always his priority.
In a heartfelt social media post, his co-star Daniel Dae Kim shared, “Taylor was more than just a colleague; he was family. We shared countless memories on and off set. My heart goes out to his wife Halona and their children. Rest in peace, my friend.” (Instagram)
Overview of Taylor Wily’s Career
Sumo Wrestling Career
Taylor Wily, born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, had a diverse and successful career in sumo wrestling, mixed martial arts, and acting.
- Sumo Name: Takamishū
- Achievements:
- Recruited by Takamiyama Daigorō
- Joined Azumazeki stable
- Unbeaten in his first 14 official bouts
- Won two consecutive tournament championships
- Reached the third highest makushita division
- First foreign-born wrestler to win the championship in that division
- Retired in July 1989 due to knee problems
Mixed Martial Arts
- UFC: Participated in the first UFC event in 1993, fought Gerard Gordeau. Even though he lost in under 30 seconds, his participation was significant in MMA history.
Also Read: Breaking: Conor McGregor’s Injury Forces Him Out of UFC 303 – What’s His Next Move?
Acting Career
Taylor Wily transitioned into acting and found success, becoming a recognizable face on TV and in movies.
- Notable Roles:
- Hawaii Five-0: Best known for playing Kamekona Tupuola, a recurring character from 2010 to 2020. He also reprised this role in “Magnum P.I.” from 2018 to 2024.
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall: Played the character Kemo in the comedy film.
- Other Appearances: Appeared in “MacGyver,” “The Amazing Race 20,” and “One West Waikiki.”
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wily once said, “Acting gave me a new life after sumo and MMA. It allowed me to connect with people in ways I never imagined. I’m grateful for every moment.”
Taylor’s Net Worth in 2024
Taylor’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
These estimates show the challenges of knowing the exact financial success of his career.
His earnings mainly came from his acting roles, especially “Hawaii Five-0.”
Movies and TV Shows Taylor Has Appeared In
Taylor, also known as Teila Tuli, appeared in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of his notable roles:
Movies
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008): Played Kemo
TV Shows
- Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020): Played Kamekona Tupuola
- Magnum P.I. (2018–2024): Reprised Kamekona Tupuola
- MacGyver (2017): Appeared as Kamekona Tupuola
- The Amazing Race 20 (2012): Made a cameo appearance
- North Shore (2004): Played a bartender in the episode “Ties That Bind”
- One West Waikiki (1996): Appeared as Joseph Kalama
- Marker (1995): Played Primo Warrior #1
- Magnum, P.I. (1982): Appeared as an uncredited guy outside a pool hall
Other Appearances
- Radical (2017): Played Julius
- Where I Come From (2014): Played Taylor
Role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall
In the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Taylor played Kemo, a hotel worker who befriends the main character, Peter Bretter, played by Jason Segel.
This role showcased Wily’s comedic talent and made him a favorite with a broader audience.
Taylor Wily’s UFC Record
Taylor, also known as Teila Tuli, has a professional MMA record of 0-1-0 (Win-Loss-Draw).
His only fight was at UFC 1 on November 12, 1993, where he lost to Gerard Gordeau by knockout.
Despite the loss, his participation in UFC 1 is a notable part of MMA history.
In Summary
Taylor Wily’s impact on entertainment and sports is undeniable.
From sumo wrestling to memorable TV and movie roles, Wily’s talents and warm personality left a lasting impression.
As we mourn his passing, we remember the joy he brought and the legacy he leaves.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this tough time.
FAQs
How old was Taylor when he died?
Taylor was 56 years old when he died[1][2][3][4][5].
What were Taylor’s height and weight?
Taylor Wily was 6’2″ tall and weighed nearly 440 lbs.
What was Taylor’s religion?
Information about Taylor’s religion is not publicly available.
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