Mourning for Taylor Wily
“Hawaii Five-0” actor dies at age 56
Taylor Wily, here at the premiere of one of the seasons of “Hawaii Five-0,” has died.
© Darryl Oumi/Getty Images
Actor and former sumo wrestler Taylor Wily has died. The actor from “Hawaii Five-0” died at the age of 56.
The former MMA fighter, sumo wrestler and actor Taylor Wily (1968-2024) has died. The actor, known to series fans in particular from “Hawaii Five-0”, died shortly after his birthday at the age of 56. The reports the industry magazine “Variety” citing the local broadcaster “KITV” and an Instagram post by Peter M. Lenkov, 60. The cause of death is unknown.
“I fell in love with you at the first audition”
Lenkov, who co-created and produced “Hawaii Five-0” among other things, wrote on the social media platform about a clip with numerous photos of Wily: “T, as I’ve told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition.” The actor appeared with a towel on his head, which he used to wipe off the sweat, and from then on the producer was completely blown away. Wily’s charm enchanted him so much that he became a permanent character in the series and in Lenkov’s life.
Just last week, the two talked about “Hawaii Five-0” and laughed about how Wily was right when he described the series as their dream job from day one. “You were family. And I’ll miss you every day, brother,” Lenkov continues.
Wily was born in Hawaii in 1968. In film and television, he was best known for the role of Kamekona in “Hawaii Five-0,” in which he appeared in 171 episodes. He also had smaller roles in the series remakes of “MacGyver” and “Magnum,” as well as in the comedy “Forget About It.” According to the report, he leaves behind his wife Halona and two children.