Actor Taylor Wily, who starred in the reboot of crime drama Hawaii Five-0, has died at the age of 56.
His entertainment lawyer confirmed his death to the BBC's American partner CBS News. A cause of death was not given. The BBC has reached out to its representatives for comment.
The actor, a native of Hawaii, had a recurring role as Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, which he reprized in Magnum PI.
Tributes have been pouring in, including from Peter Lenkov, executive producer of both shows.
“I'm devastated. Heartbroken. I'll post a detailed sentiment in a few days. Just too hard right now,” he wrote on Instagram a photo of himself and Wily.
In a subsequent post, he said that he “fell in love” with Wily during the very first audition.
“You walked in with a towel on your head to mop up the sweat, and I was smitten. You charmed me by making you a regular… on the show… and in my life,” wrote he.
'You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”
He added that the pair had spoken last week and laughed about the fact that Wily had been right for the role.
“Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky that we got to share that magic together.”
Wily was originally a sumo wrestler, but left the sport in the late 1980s after suffering several knee injuries. He later competed in UFC before turning to film and television.
He played the role of confidential informant Kamekona on Hawaii Five-0 between 2010 and 2020, before appearing in seven episodes of Magnum PI.
His other credits include a role alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
But for Wily, Hawaii Five-0 remained his favorite role.
“It's the best job in the world: You can play in Hollywood, but here in Hawaii,” he said. “At home.”
