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HONOLULU — Funeral services were pending Tuesday for Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler who gained fame as an actor by portraying an imposing but endearing informant on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0” reboot.
Wily, 56, died last Wednesday. Peter Lenkov, an executive producer of “Hawai Five-0,” posted on Instagram about Wily’s death, which was also confirmed by Hawaii news station KITV. No cause of death was reported.
“I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now,” Lenkov wrote, alongside a photo of himself with Wily.
In a separate post with a photo montage, Lenkov wrote, “T, as I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition. You came in with a towel on your head mopping up sweat, and I was smitten. You charmed me into making you a regular … on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.
“PS: When we spoke last week, we laughed at how right you were from Day 1. ‘Five-0’ was our dream job. And I was so lucky we got to to share that magic together.”
In 171 episodes of “Hawaii Five-0” from 2010 to 2020, Wily porrayed Kamekona Tupuola, a food truck owner who would often provide tips to the show’s state police unit, led by Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) and Danny Williams (Scott Caan).
Daniel Dae Kim, who played Chin Ho Kelly on the show from 2010 to 2017, posted on Instagram, “Thank you for the joy you brought to so many. Rest in peace, Taylor Wily.”
Jorge Garcia, who played Jerry Ortega from 2013 to 2019 and previously played Hurley on “Lost,” posted, “Sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Wily. Big guy with an even bigger heart. He brought me joy from the moment I first saw him spoofing me in a local ‘Lost’-themed commercial. I was always happy to see him. Will miss him greatly.”
Wil Yun Lee, who had a recurring role as Sang Min from 2010 to 2017, posted, “A prince of a man who was a kind, gentle warrior. Loved him the second I met him. Loved hearing all his stories, especially about the UFC. But mostly I just enjoyed sitting with him in his quietness. Sending love to his family. He will be missed.”
Wily also played Kamekona in seven episodes of the “Magnum, P.I.” reboot and one episode of the “MacGyver” reboot.
Tipping the scales at 450 pounds, Wily found success as a champion sumo wrestler in Japan and competed in mixed martial arts matches before turning to acting.
He had a memorable role in the 2008 comedy film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” His other TV credits included the Hawaii-based shows “North Shore,” “One West Waikiki,” “Marker” and the original “Magnum, P.I.”
Born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children.