Taylor Wily’s death has been confirmed at just 56 as fans across different realms pay tribute to the star.
The Honolulu native, had been a sumo wrestler and MMA fighter before he turned his focus into acting.
The celebrity appeared in Hawaii Five-0 and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, as fans pay tribute to him.
Taylor Wily’s cause of death has yet been confirmed, but followers are shocked by his sudden passing.
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The Magnum PI actor’s death was announced by music star Lina Girl Langi on Thursday, on her lifestyle show, Island Life Live.
She said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of a Hawaii celebrity who was also a family friend, Taylor Wily, former wrestler, MMA fighter and actor passed away today in Hurricane, Utah.”
Co-star Davey D said he was one of the ‘kindest’ and ‘gentlest’ souls he’s met.
Langi did not give anymore information on Taylor Wily’s cause of death, but said while his build may have been intimidating, it wasn’t who he was on the inside.
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Taylor Wily’s death – ‘My heart is breaking’
She added: “He would look physically menacing until you just folded right into a hug, and that was it. My heart is breaking.”
Taylor Wily was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1968 and began his career as a sumo wrestler, under the title, Takamishu.
He won his first 14 matches and became the first foreign-born wrestler to win the championship. Wily then moved to UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in 2000, and became the first to lose a UFC brawl after going up against Gerard Gordeau.
He transitioned into acting with roles in the 1980s and 200s with Magnum PI, North Shore and One West.
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Wily was also cast in Forgetting Sarah Marshall as the no-nonsense bartender, as well as bagging a part in Radical, before getting his big TV break in Hawaii Five-0 as Kamekona.
He appeared in 171 episodes of the hit show up until 2020, as well as returning to his character in a Magnum PI reboot.
Tributes have poured in from fans and friends after Taylor Wily’s death.
Magnum PI producer Peter Lenkov said on Instagram: “I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feeling in a few days. Just too hard right now.”
Angela Keen, former news reporter, said: “You were the epitome of a gentile giant.
“I can’t believe you are gone Taylor Wily.”
Hawaii Five-0’s Dennis Chun said: “Laura and I are heart broken to learn of the passing of Taylor Wily. He was not just a great talent but he was a giant of man.”
“His aloha and heart always made sharing a scene with him such a joy.
“It was an honor to not only work with him but also to call him friend. Rest well Taylor. Hawaii and I weep tonight. Aloha Taylor until we meet again.”
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