Hollywood Mourns: Beloved ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Magnum P.I.’ Star Taylor Wily Passes Away at 56

The beloved actor Taylor Wily, 56, who was best known for his parts in Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I., and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is being mourned by the entertainment community. KITV News broke the initial story on his death.

Taylor Takata Wily, better known by his stage name Wily, was a former sumo wrestler who became an actor and won over crowds with his kind nature, sense of humor, and unique personality.

In the enduring CBS detective drama Hawaii Five-0, he played the charming and enterprising shrimp truck owner Kamekona Tupuola, for which he is most known. His persona also appeared in the Magnum P.I. revival, which linked the two well-liked shows.

Apart from his popularity on television, Wily also made audiences laugh in the popular comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, where he played a hotel employee who supports the lead character during a trying breakup.

Wily’s cause of death is yet unknown, shocking and grieving colleagues and fans alike.

Tributes from around the entertainment industry flooded in after the devastating news. Former co-star Peter M. Lenkov, who collaborated closely with Wily on Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0, posted a heartfelt note on Instagram. “I’m inconsolable.

Brokenhearted. Later, I’ll post some in-depth emotions. Just too hard right now,” he remarked, calling Wily a “gentle giant” whose humor and kindness were felt by those who were in his vicinity.

Alyssa, Wily’s sister, also paid tribute to her brother by sharing a video of their family honoring Wily’s life on Facebook in a way that would have made him smile. The family was shown in the film playing board games and ball games, highlighting Wily’s love of happy, laughter-filled family get-togethers.

“Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to,” she wrote as the video’s caption. Good vibes, music, food, and family. “Aurrrrrrighhhhh,” he said.

On Twitter/X, the official Magnum P.I. fan page expressed their sadness along with a moving message and a picture of Wily as the role. “With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Taylor Wily, the beloved actor from #MagnumPI and #HawaiiFive0 who played Kamekona.

His kindness and sense of humor left a lasting impression on our hearts and on our screens. We send our condolences to his family. Hello, Taylor.

Wily had a fascinating and diverse life outside of his renowned acting career. Prior to going into show business, he was a sumo wrestler in Japan, competing under the moniker “Takayama.”

Even though his time in sumo was short-lived, it was a memorable period that showed off his power and adaptability. After switching to mixed martial arts, he faced Dutch kickboxer and MMA professional Gerard Gordeau in the UFC in 1993 to make his debut.

Even though Wily left the sport soon after making his debut, his varied upbringing enhanced the nuance and genuineness of his acting performances.

Throughout his career, Taylor Wily made cameos in a variety of television shows, including MacGyver, One West Waikiki, and North Shore, which demonstrated his versatility as an actor.

Wily is survived by his two children and his wife, Halona. His passing has left a deep hole in the lives of his friends, family, and the many admirers he touched all over the world with his performances and talent.

Taylor Wily’s acting legacy and the joy he provided to fans will be honored as the entertainment industry pays tribute to him.