The entertainment world has suffered a profound loss with the passing of Taylor Wily, a former UFC star who found fame as an actor in the hit TV series “Hawaii Five-0.” The 56-year-old’s sudden death has left his family and fans mourning the loss of a talented and beloved figure.
Wily, who was born in Laie, Hawaii, on June 14, 1968, began his career in the entertainment industry in 2004 when he landed a role in the TV show “North Shore.” But it was his portrayal of the character Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0” that truly catapulted him to stardom.
As an informant for the police and the owner of various businesses, including a shrimp food truck, helicopter tours company, and a shaved ice stand, Kamekona quickly became a fan favorite on the long-running CBS police drama, which aired from 2010 to 2020. Wily’s natural charisma and comedic timing made the character an integral part of the show’s success.
Gerard Gordeau vs Taylor Wily #UFC1 pic.twitter.com/6vOkVd4Nkd
— MMA Gone Wild🥋 (@mmagonewild) August 1, 2019
Beyond his work on “Hawaii Five-0,” Wily also had a memorable role in the 2008 romantic comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” where he played a supporting character alongside stars such as Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Paul Rudd.
Wily’s family has been devastated by his passing, and they have come together to honor his memory in a touching way. His sister, Alyssa, shared a video on Facebook of the family gathering, where they were playing ball games, board games, and enjoying good food and music – exactly the kind of celebration Wily would have wanted.
“Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to,” Alyssa wrote, capturing the bittersweet moment. “Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes. Aurrrrrrighhhhh (in his voice).”
The family also paid tribute to Wily by singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds (Don’t Worry About a Thing)” in his honor, with his nephews and nieces leading the chorus.
While the cause of Wily’s death has not been revealed, his legacy as a talented actor and beloved family member will undoubtedly live on. His fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry have expressed their heartfelt condolences, remembering him as a kind, generous, and talented individual who brought joy to all those he encountered.
The world has lost a true talent, but Wily’s memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
