Taylor Wily, the beloved actor and former sumo wrestler, known for his memorable roles in “Hawaii Five-0” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” has passed away at the age of 56.
Taylor Wily, renowned for his charismatic performances and larger-than-life presence, left an indelible mark on both the television and film industries. His passing on Thursday has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved figure. Taylor Wily, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ Star, Dies at 56
A Heartfelt Farewell
The news of Taylor Wily’s passing was confirmed by local Hawaiian news station KITV and through poignant Instagram posts from “Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter M. Lenkov. In a heartfelt message, Lenkov expressed his grief and admiration for Wily, recounting their first meeting and the impact Wily had on his life. “I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now,” he wrote, sharing a picture with Wily dated June 20.
Lenkov continued his tribute with a photo montage, reminiscing about Wily’s audition and the bond they formed. “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 share that magic together.”
A Legacy in Television and Film
Taylor Wily’s portrayal of Kamekona Tupuola in “Hawaii Five-0” made him a household name. He appeared in 171 episodes of the series, bringing warmth and humor to the character that endeared him to audiences. Wily’s character also made appearances in episodes of other rebooted series such as “MacGyver” and “Magnum P.I.” His versatility and charm made every role he played unforgettable.
In addition to his television success, Wily is fondly remembered for his role in the comedy film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” where his comedic timing and engaging screen presence left a lasting impression.
Tributes from Fans and Colleagues
Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the profound impact Taylor Wily had on those who knew him and watched his performances. His ability to bring joy and laughter through his roles has been a common theme in the remembrances shared online.