Actor Taylor Wily, known for his role in the reboot of Hawaii Five-0, has passed away at 56, confirmed by his entertainment attorney. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and inquiries are ongoing.
Taylor Wily, a native of Hawaii, portrayed Kamekona Tupuola in Hawaii Five-0 and reprised the role in Magnum P.I. Tributes have poured in, including from Peter Lenkov, executive producer of both shows, who expressed deep sorrow and fond memories of working with Wily.
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Lenkov recalled meeting Taylor Wily at auditions and immediately being captivated by his charm, eventually casting him regularly in the series and forming a close bond. He described Wily as family and reminisced about their recent conversation, reflecting on their shared joy working on Hawaii Five-0.
Wily’s career began as a sumo wrestler, transitioning to UFC before entering the film and television industry. Aside from Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., he appeared in Forgetting Sarah Marshall alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis.
For Wily, Hawaii Five-0 held a special place as his favorite role, describing it as the best job in the world where he could work in Hollywood while being at home in Hawaii.
