Hawaii Five-0 star Taylor Wylie has died at the age of 56

Actor Taylor Wylie, 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 a BBC partner in the US CBS News. The cause of death was not mentioned. The BBC contacted his representatives for comment.

The actor, who is from Hawaii, had a recurring role as Kamekona Tupuola on Hawaii Five-0, which he reprized in Magnum P.I.

Tributes have poured in, including from Peter Lenkov, an executive producer on both shows.

“I’m devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll be posting some detailed sentiments in a few days. It’s so hard right now,” he wrote on Instagram. A picture of himself and Willie.

In another post, he said he “fell in love” with Willie at the first audition.

“I came with a towel on your head to wipe off the sweat, and I was smitten. You charmed me into making you a regular…on the show…and in my life,” he wrote.

“You were family. I’ll miss you every day, brother.”

He added that the duo spoke last week and laughed at how healthy Willie was in this role.

“Five Zero was our dream job. I was so lucky that we got to share that magic together.”

Willie was originally a sumo wrestler but left the sport in the late 1980s after suffering several knee injuries. He later competed in the UFC before turning his hand to film and television.

He starred as confidential detective Kamekona on Hawaii Five-0 from 2010-2020, before appearing in seven episodes of Magnum PI.

His other credits included a role alongside Jason Segel and Mila Kunis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

But for Willie, Hawaii Five-0 remains his favorite role.

“It’s the best job in the world — you get to play Hollywood but you’re here in Hawaii,” he said. “house.”