Taylor Wily, the beloved actor known for his role as Kamekona on "Hawaii Five-0," passed away at the age of 56. His death was confirmed by his legal representative, Paul Almond, although specific details regarding the location and cause were not immediately disclosed. Wily's portrayal of Kamekona, a shrimp truck vendor turned entrepreneur on the show, endeared him to fans worldwide and made him a fixture in the hearts of viewers and residents of Hawaii alike.
Born on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taylor Tuli Wily possessed a tender demeanor that contrasted with his imposing physical presence—standing over six feet tall and weighing over 400 pounds at times. Before his acting career took off, Wily found fame in the world of sumo wrestling. Introduced to the sport in 1987, he quickly made a name for himself, competing under the name Takamishu in Japan and becoming the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to win a championship title match.
Reflecting on his early days in sumo, Wily humorously recalled in an interview how a case of Spam and some rice sealed his fate in the sport. His transition from sumo wrestling to mixed martial arts marked a shift in his athletic career, culminating in his participation in the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Wily ventured into acting, making his television debut in 1982 on "Magnum, P.I." His journey as an actor saw him take on various roles in shows like "Marker" and "North Shore," before landing the iconic role of Kamekona on "Hawaii Five-0." The character evolved from a minor role to a fan favorite, known for his comedic timing and warmth onscreen.
During the show's run from 2010 to 2020, Wily's character expanded beyond the shrimp truck vendor to include businesses like a shaved ice venture and a helicopter tour company. This evolution prompted fellow actor Masi Oka to humorously suggest renaming the show "Kamekona Five-0," underscoring Wily's impact and popularity among the cast and crew.
Peter Lenkov, a producer of "Hawaii Five-0," praised Wily's audition, which led to the character's recurring role and eventual prominence in the series. Wily's ability to infuse each performance with infectious energy and subtle humor made him a standout presence, whether he was interacting with Jason Segel's character in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" or delivering memorable lines on "Hawaii Five-0."
In a 2014 interview with Hawaii News Now, Wily expressed deep gratitude for his time on "Hawaii Five-0," describing it as the best job in the world. He cherished the opportunity to work in Hollywood while remaining in his beloved home of Hawaii, emphasizing the personal significance of portraying a character that resonated deeply with local culture and global audiences alike.
Away from the screen, Wily was a family man, survived by his wife, Halona Wily, and their two children. His journey from sumo wrestling champion to Hollywood actor underscored his versatility and passion for storytelling, leaving a lasting legacy in both sports and entertainment.
Taylor Wily's unexpected passing marks the end of an era for fans who cherished his larger-than-life presence onscreen and admired his journey from Hawaii to international acclaim. His role as Kamekona not only entertained millions but also celebrated Hawaiian culture and showcased the diverse talent that Wily brought to every project he undertook. As fans mourn his loss, they also celebrate the life and career of a man who embodied the spirit of aloha both on and off the screen.
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