“Hawaii Five-0” star Taylor Wily dies at the age of 56

Actor Taylor Wily, who starred in the remake of the 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. A cause of death was not given. The BBC has asked his representatives for comment.

The Hawaiian-born actor had a recurring role as Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, which he repeated on Magnum PI.

Numerous honors were received, including from Peter Lenkov, the executive producer of both shows.

“I am devastated. Heartbroken. I will post some detailed emotional statements in a few days. It’s just too hard right now,” he wrote on Instagram, adding a photo of himself and Wily.

In another post, he said he “fell in love” with Wily at the first audition.

“You came in with a towel on your head, wiping away the sweat, and I was blown away. You cast such a spell on me that I made you a regular… on the show… and in my life,” he wrote.

“You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”

He added that the two spoke last week and laughed about how well Wily was suited for the role.

“Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky that we got to experience this magic together.”

Wily was originally a sumo wrestler but gave up the sport in the late 1980s after suffering several knee injuries. He later competed in UFC competitions before turning to film and television.

From 2010 to 2020, he played informant Kamekona in Hawaii Five-0 before appearing in seven episodes of Magnum PI.

His other engagements included a role alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis in “Forget About Your Ex”.

But for Wily, “Hawaii Five-0” remained his favorite role.

“It’s the best job in the world – you’re in Hollywood, but you’re here in Hawaii,” he said. “Home.”