Taylor Wily Obituary

Taylor Wily, born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a man of many talents and a beloved figure in both the sports and entertainment worlds. Known for his warm personality and versatile skills, Wily’s life journey took him from the sumo wrestling rings of Japan to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he left an indelible mark on the CBS television series “Hawaii Five-0.”

Early Life and Sumo Wrestling Career

Wily grew up in Honolulu, where his athletic abilities quickly became apparent. His imposing physique and natural strength led him to pursue a career in sumo wrestling, a sport that requires not only physical power but also immense discipline and dedication. He moved to Japan, where he competed under the ring name “Teila Tuli.” Although his sumo career was relatively short, Wily’s time in the sport was impactful, setting the stage for his future endeavours.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

After his stint in sumo wrestling, Wily transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA), a burgeoning sport in the early 1990s. He competed in the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in 1993, bringing his sumo skills into the octagon. Though his MMA career was brief, Wily’s participation in UFC 1 was notable, contributing to the early development of the sport and its growing popularity.

Acting Career and “Hawaii Five-0”

Wily’s athletic background eventually opened doors to the entertainment industry. His breakthrough came with the revival of “Hawaii Five-0” in 2010, where he was cast as Kamekona Tupuola, an affable shrimp truck owner and informant. Over 10 seasons, Wily’s character became a fan favourite, known for his humour, charm, and loyalty. His portrayal of Kamekona added a unique flavour to the show, endearing him to audiences around the world.