Actor Taylor Wily, 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 affiliate CBS NewsThe cause of death was not given. The BBC has contacted his representatives for comment.
The actor, who hails from Hawaii, played Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, a role he also reprised on Magnum P.I.
Tributes have also poured in from others, including Peter Lenkov, the executive producer of both shows.
“I am devastated. Heartbroken. I will be posting more fully about my feelings in a few days. So sad right now,” he wrote on Instagram. A picture of you and Willie,
In another post she said she “fell in love” with Wiley at the very first audition.
He wrote, “You came in with a towel around your head wiping off your sweat and I was so smitten by you. You charmed me so much that I made you a regular on the show… and in my life.”
“You were my family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”
He said the two spoke last week, and laughed about how perfect Willie was for the role.
“Five-0 was our dream job. And I’m so fortunate that we got to share that magic together.”
Willie was originally a sumo wrestler, but quit the sport in the late 1980s due to a number of knee injuries. He later competed in the UFC and then tried his hand at film and television.
He starred as confidential informant Kamekona on Hawaii Five-0 between 2010-2020, before appearing in seven episodes of Magnum P.I.
His other accomplishments include a role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis.
But for Willie, Hawaii Five-0 remains his favorite role.
“It’s the best job in the world — you get to act in Hollywood, but you live right here in Hawaii,” he said.
