Actor and sumo wrestler Taylor Wily has passed away, but there is no confirmation of any underlying health issues except his knee problem.
Wily was born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is of American Samoan descent.
He was known for his role as Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, where he appeared in 96 episodes, and Magnum, P.I.
Moreover, he appeared in films such as “Forgetting Sarah” Marshall,” “North Shore,” “Macgyver,” and so on.
Sadly, he passed away at the age of 56, as confirmed by his friends and family members.
Unexpected Departure of Taylor Wily Sent Shockwave To Hollywood: Unrelated Weight Loss Journey
Taylor Wily, once known as Takamikuni Daikichi, left an unforgettable mark on the sumo world with his formidable strength.
At one point, Taylor Wily faced a knee problem that significantly impacted his sumo career.
However, beyond this, there remains no official confirmation regarding any other illnesses or the cause of his passing.
Additionally, his family members have not disclosed any details about his health issues.
Regarding his weight loss, Wily was 20 lbs lighter than in his sumo wrestling days.
However, his weight loss journey was intentionally driven by a combination of healthier lifestyle choices and dedication.
Therefore, there is no connection between his weight loss and his sudden departure.
Rest in Peace Taylor Wily. He passed away today at the age of 56. Kamekona you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/KH2uYrPQP9
— Reel News Hawaii (@reelnewshawaii) June 21, 2024
Similarly, many of his friends and admirers have shared heartfelt messages on social media and expressed their sorrow.
They even described him as a family man and expressed how much they would miss him.
One of the users with the Twitter handle @EricB1642 captioned:
Just received sad news about @TaylorWily who played #Kamekona on #HawaiiFive0 passed away. Thoughts and prayers to his family. #RestInPeace
Taylor Wily’s Journey from Sumo Rings to Hollywood Screen Will Be Remembered for Eternity
Weighing nearly 440lb (200kg), Taylor Wily, AKA Takamikuni (sumo name), was one of the largest wrestlers in sumo.
He started his sumo wrestling journey in March 1987 when Takamiyama Daigoro recruited him to join the Azumazeki stable.
His sumo career was cut short within 2 years due to his knee issues in July 1989. After leaving sumo, he transitioned to UFC and competed under his birth name.
In March 1988, he became the first foreign-born wrestler to win the championship in the Makushita division.
Taylor Wily’s legacy extends beyond the ring and screen, leaving an incredible mark on both sumo and entertainment.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Taylor Wily’s family, friends, and admirers.
We will deeply miss his remarkable talent and impact on the world of entertainment and sumo. May his memory continue to inspire and move us all. Rest in Peace!
Additional Information
- Taylor Wily married Halona Wily and had two children: Youngaisa, their son, and Tula, their daughter.
- He attended the Kahuku High and Intermediate School and started sumo at the age of 18.
- He played the role of Joseph Kalama in one of the episodes of One West Waikiki.
