image source, Good pictures
Actor Taylor Wiley, who starred in the reboot of crime drama Hawaii Five-0, has died at the age of 56.
His entertainment lawyer confirmed his death to the BBC’s US partner CBS News. Cause of death not reported. The BBC has approached his representatives for comment.
The actor, who hails from Hawaii, reprized his role as Kamekona Dupuyola in Hawaii Five-0, which he reprized in Magnum PI.
Tributes have piled up on both shows, including executive producer Peter Lenkov.
“I am devastated. Heart broken. I’ll post a detailed impression in a few days. It’s so hard right now,” she wrote on Instagram Picture of him and Willie.
And in one post, she said she “fell in love” with Willie at the first audition.
“You came in with a towel on your head wiping your sweat and I was floored. You charmed me by making yourself a regular on the show…and in my life,” he wrote.
“You were family and I miss you every day, bro.”
She said the pair spoke last week and laughed about how perfect Willie was for the role.
“Five-0 is our dream job. I’m so lucky we get to share that magic together.”
Wili was originally a sumo wrestler, but left the sport in the late 1980s after several knee injuries. He later competed in the UFC before turning his hand to film and television.
Magnum played secret informant Kamekona on Hawaii Five-0 between 2010-2020, before appearing in seven episodes of PI.
Her other credits include a role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis.
But for Willie, Hawaii Five-0 was his favorite role.
“It’s the best job in the world — you can play in Hollywood but be here in Hawaii,” he said. “House.”
