"Taylor Wily, beloved for his roles in 'Hawaii Five-0' and as a former UFC fighter, passes away at 56."

FILE - Actor Taylor Wily, also known as Teila Tuli, gestures to fans after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers in Seattle on June 14, 2014. Wily, an actor known for his roles on “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I,” has died at 56.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler turned actor, known for his role as confidential informant Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I,” has passed away at the age of 56. His death was confirmed Friday by his friend and “Hawaii Five-0” producer, Peter M. Lenkov.

Lenkov confirmed Wily’s passing to The Associated Press and shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram, including a photo captioned, “I am devastated. Heartbroken.”

Honolulu-based KITV 4 first reported Wily’s death on Thursday, though the cause remains undisclosed. TV and radio personality Lina Girl Langi expressed her sorrow on the show “Island Life Live,” announcing the news “with a heavy heart” as Wily was a close friend.

Lenkov, who had a long-standing friendship and professional relationship with Wily, posted a video montage of photos and clips on Thursday, writing, “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.”

In a statement to the AP, Lenkov praised Wily’s versatility, highlighting his talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. “Despite the fact that a lot of his ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Magnum’ scenes featured his comedy skills, he was an incredible dramatic actor, as well,” Lenkov said. He also revealed plans to include Wily in a future project, expressing deep regret that this opportunity is now lost.

Wily portrayed Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0” from 2010 to 2020, becoming a beloved character. He continued the role in the “Magnum P.I.” reboot and made a memorable appearance as a hotel worker in the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”

Born Teila Tuli, Wily had a notable career before acting as a sumo wrestler and UFC 1 fighter. He gained attention in 1993 when Gerard Gordeau knocked out his tooth with a kick, marking the first knockout in UFC history.

Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children.