Movies News Talk
At 56 years old, Hawaii Five-0 star Taylor Wily—known for his performance as Kamekona Tupuola—has died. First seen on television as an extra in the original crime drama series Magnum, P.I, Wily was most well-known for his performance in the venerable CBS police procedural drama Hawaii Five-0. Playing Kamekona, a fascinating informant and entrepreneur, he made appearances in all ten seasons of the program.
Executive producer of the Hawaii Five-0 reboot Peter M. Lenkov verified the word of Wily's passing. Lenkov highlighted Wily's appeal and skill on Instagram as he posted a moving message on the death of his friend. Two children and his wife Halona survive him. Lenkov remembers Wily's initial audition for the Hawaii Five-0 part and says Wily seduced him into making him a regular on the program and also in his life. He also included snippets of their most recent chat and mentioned that they might both live out their ideal careers together.
Wily had a very varied career, however his work on screens is what most people know about. He started his career sumo wrestling. Wily was hired into the Azumazeki stable of sumo as a teen, wrestling under the alias Takamishū Daikichi. Having a good two-year career in sumo wrestling and two tournament championships, he delighted But Wily had to give up sumo after knee problems surfaced.
Wily moved into mixed martial arts following his sumo wrestling career. He signed on for the stable Dragon Bomers, run by six-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tatsumi Fujinami. Wily went through intensive training sessions getting ready for the first UFC fight ever seen on television. His UFC career was brief since his first fight left a couple of lost teeth and a significant eye issue. After a sumo wrestling and mixed martial arts career, Wily chose to concentrate on acting. Following a few tiny parts in North Shore and Nicholas Stoller's Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Wily scored a major part in Hawaii Five-0. Reiterating that character in MacGyver and the just finished Magnum P.I. remake, he highlighted his charm and skill on screen.
Kamekona Tupuola was a dear character in the Hawaii Five-0 world thanks to Taylor Wily's performance of him. Kamekona was a multifarious character—a savvy businessman, a devoted friend, and a great benefit to the task group. Wily gave the part life and humor, charming viewers and having a long-lasting influence on the program.
Hawaii Five-0's Actors and crew have shown their loss at Wily's passing. His death reminds me of the gifted people working in the entertainment business. Wily's influence on people who knew him and his unforgettable performances will help to ensure his legacy.
Talented and excelling in many disciplines, Taylor Wily was He was a great performer, a remarkable athlete, and a cherished part player in the entertainment business. His family, friends, and supporters will all be much missed. His career was evidence of his adaptability and tenacity, and his contributions to the television industry will live long after.
Wily lived with passion, willfulness, and a zest for life. He accepted every difficulty and made an impact on anything he worked on. His narrative reminds us that actual achievement comes from living a life with goals and following our aspirations.
Hawaii Five-0 is an action series following a special task team handling different crimes in Hawaii, reflecting a current vision of the classic series published during the 1960s. From the Governor himself, the twosome of Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams handle terrorist plans, kidnappings, and other major crimes outside their usual domain and granted free reign throughout the state.
Fans of police procedurals have come to love Hawaii Five-0 for its engaging characters, fast-paced action, and breathtaking Hawaiian settings. Ten seasons of the show highlighted a gifted cast featuring Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, and Daniel Dae Kim. As Kamekona, Taylor Wily's contributions to the show made him a necessary component of its success.