The MMA world was left stunned at the news of the death of a pioneer who fought in the first-ever UFC event. Taylor Wily, a former sumo wrestler, actor, and mixed martial artist passed away on June 20, 2024, just six days after celebrating his 56th birthday. While many people may not have been aware of his martial arts background, Wily was renowned for his role in the hit TV series, ‘Hawaii Five-0’, a re-imagining of the classic 1970s crime drama.

The news of his passing drew an outpouring of support and mourning from the fandom as Wily was a Hawaiian legend and beloved for his various acting ventures. Let’s explore all we know about what caused his demise, his acting career, and his legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.

Taylor Wily – Cause of death

Taylor Wily was born ‘Teila Tuli’ in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1968 and was of American Samoan origins. According to a public statement released to USA TODAY by his manager, Michael Henderson, Wily passed away due to “natural causes”, with no further information available at the time of writing.

His legal representative, Paul Almond also confirmed the same but he also didn’t disclose the exact cause or location of his passing. According to a statement shared on Instagram by “Hawaii Five-0” executive producer, Peter Lenkov, “I am devastated. Heartbroken. I’ll post some detailed feeling in a few days. Just too hard right now.”

Wily’s role in the show had made him an instant fan favorite with his portrayal of Kamekona, a local business owner with a heart of gold, and had endeared him to audiences worldwide. Lenkov further stated in another post, “You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”

As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, Wily’s legacy in both the entertainment and sports worlds remains indelible, as his journey from the sumo ring to Hollywood was a testament to his versatility, resilience, and immense talent.

Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-O, and all about the UFC career of Rikishi

Taylor Wily, best known today for his acting career, was one of the pioneering fighters in the first-ever UFC card held in Denver in 1993. This inaugural UFC event aimed to pit different martial arts styles against each other, drawing Wily from his successful sumo wrestling career where he held a record of 57-27-14. Following his sumo career, Wily transitioned to New Japan Pro Wrestling while continuing his martial arts training.

This dedication led to his invitation to compete in the groundbreaking UFC event. Fighting under his birth name, Teila Tuli, the fight became a notable moment in MMA history, lasting only 26 seconds as he suffered a knockout from Gerard Gordeau’s head kick.

This bout, the first televised UFC fight, marked Tuli’s sole appearance in mixed martial arts. After his brief MMA stint, Wily shifted to acting, adopting a new professional name. His first significant role came in the comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” where he played a friendly hotel worker alongside Jason Segel.

Wily’s acting career further blossomed with his long-running role in the TV series “Hawaii Five-O,” appearing in 171 episodes until the show’s conclusion in 2020, and also reprised the same role in a spin-off series, ‘Magnum PI’. His journey from sumo wrestling to the UFC and then to Hollywood showcases a diverse and accomplished career. The transition from the fighting arena to the screen allowed him to reach new heights and a broader audience. Despite the brevity of his MMA career, his impact on the sport’s early days remains significant.

Wily’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He is survived by his wife and two children, who remember him not only as a performer and athlete but also as a devoted family man. Taylor Wily’s life story is a testament to the versatility and resilience that characterized his journey from the sumo ring to the lights of Hollywood.