As per to Deadline Taylor Wily, the sumo wrestler-turned-Hawaii Five-0 actor, died Thursday, June 20, as per to local Hawaii media. He was 56 year old.
Although specifics regarding the demise — where, and a cause — were not immediately known, his death was confirmed by Peter M. Lenkov, executive producer of the 2010-20 Hawaii Five-0 reboot.
Initially posting an Instagram message saying solely,
Lenkov followed up with a lengthier post, mentioning Wily directly:
“T, as I told you numerous times, I fell in love with you at the 1st 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 talked last week, we laughed at how right you were from Day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so grateful we got to share that magic together.”
Born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, Wily was from Laie, Hawaii and was of American Samoan descent. Earlier to becoming an actor, he was a successful and famous sumo wrester and mixed martial artist.
After leaving sumo, Wily started competing in Ultimate Fighting Championships, competing as Teila Tuli in his first UFC bout in November 1993.
May he Rest in Peace.