The world of entertainment mourns the loss of Taylor Wily, a multi-talented actor and former UFC fighter, who passed away at the age of 56. Wily’s sister and his family shared their grief and memories in a heartfelt Facebook video tribute on Thursday (June 20). “Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to,” she expressed. “Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes. Aurrrrrrighhhhh (in his voice).”
The Hawaii-born star’s death was confirmed on the same day by a KITV Island News reporter, who remembered Wily as a close family friend.
In a touching Instagram post, Peter M. Lenkov, the producer of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., paid homage to his friend and colleague. Sharing a photo of the pair, Lenkov conveyed his profound sorrow: “I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now.”
While the cause of Wily’s death has yet to be disclosed, his legacy in the entertainment industry is indelibly marked by his portrayal of Kamekona Tupuola on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0, appearing in 171 episodes over a span of ten years. His acting career also included memorable roles in seven episodes of Magnum P.I. and the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, where he starred alongside Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Paul Rudd.
Before his acting career, Wily was a notable figure in sports as a sumo wrestler and mixed martial artist. He competed in one of the inaugural UFC events in 1993, facing off against Gerard Gordeau. Despite having his tooth knocked out during the match, Wily spoke of the experience with no regrets. “There was a different feeling when you walked through that octagon,” he recounted to The New York Post in 2018. “I was scared. I ain’t lying, I was scared. Now when I look back on it, now that I’m more mature, I’m just grateful to God to just have the opportunity to risk it.”
Fans of Wily have taken to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of the beloved actor.
One fan commented, “He was an amazing actor; he will be missed.” Another shared, “I’ve never hated a character of his. RIP.” A third fan expressed, “This breaks my heart. He was my favorite character on Hawaii Five-0. RIP Taylor, you were loved by many.”
Taylor Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children, leaving behind a legacy of diverse talents and a life richly lived.