Lilo & Stitch actor David Hekili Kenui Bell dies aged 46, Entertainment News
Lilo + Stitch star David Hekili Kenui Bell has died aged 46.
The actor, who played Big Hawaiian Dude in the 2025 live-action remake of the movie, Lilo & Stitch has died, his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, confirmed on Sunday (June 15).
She wrote on her Facebook account: "It is with a heavy heart that I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father. I've been waiting for the words and mindset to properly express the joy of a human, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father's Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives.
"I met my little brother at the age of 18, on my high school graduation day, it was the most amazing surprise which I had been asking for years, that our mom's made happen for us, and that gift has lasted a lifetime.
"While I didn't grow up with a father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him. He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together. We looked forward to going to Tahiti and the Lindsey reunion together to create more family connections."
Jalene also shared how just two weeks ago, David bought the "best seats in the house" for his family to watch him in Lilo & Stitch at the cinema.
She added: "David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus travelling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment were so exciting to him, and I loved that he enjoyed the arts. He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max… made him a diamond in the rough.
"You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience.
"He was and will remain a bright and shining star. He recently made it onto the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment.
"He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago. That's one trait we didn't share, planning ahead. We talked about and were so energised by the fans dressed in Lilo & Stitch gear head to toe, T-shirts, one zees, hats, masks, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for popcorn.
"I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the screen but then realised the store was already closed. To celebrate him and try to ease our grief we went to get shave ice and my grandson's emotions were on point.
"To Aunty Gerry and the Kenui 'Ohana you raised an amazing human who became the most loving and supportive man in my life, and I am eternally grateful. I share this grief with our older sister Kehau Bell, and my younger sister, Lara Leimana, who while not a Bell, loved and adored him as her own.
"He enjoyed social media and I'll be resharing some of my favourite posts he made, and some I am just seeing for the first time that I missed, because they are so funny and heartwarming.
"Hug your loved ones today... our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch telling stories about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy. Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive."
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