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Hype Malaysia
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Harris Yulin To Arthur Hamilton: 7 Celebrities Who Passed Away Recently
As we approach the middle of the year, it's a time to reflect on the lives and legacies of the celebrities we've lost in recent months. From iconic musicians to television personalities, each one left a unique mark on the world through their talent, passion, and presence. Their passing is a reminder of how deeply connected we can feel to those who inspire us from afar. This list acknowledges the notable figures we've lost in the last month. While they are no longer with us, their contributions and influence continue to shape culture and leave a lasting impact. It serves as a tribute to their legacies and a respectful farewell. David Hekili Kenui Bell The 'Big Hawaiian Dude' of 'Lilo & Stitch' passed away on 12th June (Thursday). David Hekili Kenui Bell was a beloved Hawaiian actor, most notable for his role in the recent live-action film, 'Lilo & Stitch'. In many other characters he portrayed, he almost always reflected his heritage, blending Pidgin, Indigenous Hawaiian language, and English, to help preserve local culture in mainstream media. He was described as a sweet, generous and brilliant person, often calling him an embodiment of what 'Aloha' is. He was deeply cherished in his community, greeted travellers daily through his familiar airport announcements, and proudly represented Hawaiian culture on a global platform. His warmth, modesty, and authentic aloha spirit will continue to have a memorable impact on everyone he encounters. Harris Yulin The acting industry is in shock with the news of esteemed American actor Harris Yulin's passing on 10th June (Tuesday). He's known for his roles in 'Ghostbusters II', 'Scarface', 'Training Day' and many more. He was a dedicated performer who was said to be immensely committed to his craft. He brought depth and complexity to the characters he played, mainly portraying morally grey roles with subtle intensity. Harris was said to be a gracious and warm person who valued the process and value of work rather than the fame that it gives. The 87-year-old's legacy will forever live on through his iconic roles and his family. They plan to have a memorial on a later date. Kim Woodburn Kim Woodburn, the co-host of the nostalgic British show, 'How Clean Is Your House?', passed away on the 16th June (Monday) at the age of 83 years old. She had been suffering from an illness for months leading up to her passing, cancelling the majority of her work commitments to be able to start her recovery process. Beyond her cleaning expertise, Woodburn appeared on various reality TV programs, including 'I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' (2009), where she finished as runner-up Kim's passing was confirmed by her manager. Furthermore, it has been requested by her family that details on her passing remain private. Kim will forever be remembered as a warm and outspoken person who made many fans' lives better with her humour. Anne Burrell Food Network fans mourn the loss of 'Worst Cooks in America' host Anne Burrell. The chef passed away on the 17th June (Tuesday), at the age of 55 years old. She was mostly recognised by her nurturing nature and infectious enthusiasm on her show, often referring to herself as 'professional pleasure provider,' finding joy in making people smile through food. Beyond her cooking career, she was a frequent contributor to charitable causes, serving on the Garden of Dreams Foundation Advisory Board. She aimed to support children facing adversity. She will continue to be remembered through every meal cooked with her books, and through her fans and colleagues alike. Arthur Hamilton 'Cry Me a River' Arthur Hamilton passed away on the 20th May (Tuesday), after living a long life of 98 years. Best known for his contribution to songs in the film 'Pete's Kelly's Blues' (1955), such as 'Sing a Rainbow' and 'He Needs Me'. Originally, his hit song 'Cry Me a River' was made for the film to be sung by Ella Fitzgerald but it ended up being released by Julie London in 1995, which became #9 on Billboard and #22 in the UK. The song ended up being placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, solidifying his legacy in the music industry. His kind-hearted and devoted personality will forever live on in his pieces, friends and fans. Lim Pik-Sen (林碧笙) The actress for 'Chung Su-Lee' in 'Mind Your Language' has passed away on the 9th June at the age of 81 years old. The Malaysian-British actor began her acting career when she was 16 years old. Since then, she has been recognised as one of the most familiar East Asian faces on British television. She's widely known for her roles in 'Doctor Who', 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' and her most notable voice acting role as the narrator in 'Dark Souls'. Fans and friends have paid tribute to the actress, highlighting her joyous and witty personality. She will continue to be remembered through the British Film Institute as 'the most familiar Chinese actor on British television screens in the 1970s and 80s' and her enduring legacy across television, film, and gaming. Tong Gai (Tang Chia, 唐佳) Veteran martial artist Tong Gai (唐佳) was pronounced dead on the 23rd June 2025 (Monday) at the age of 88. At first, reports described an elderly man falling from a building, which was later confirmed to be the choreographer. Although he had allegedly been battling depression before his passing, police have found no evidence of foul play or other causes. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in iconic kung fu films such as 'Shaolin Prince and One Armed Swordsman'. Furthermore, he was married to former Hong Kong actress Suet Nay (雪妮). Ultimately, he will always be remembered as a gifted and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to both his craft and his family. Sources: People (1)(2)(3), International The News, Yahoo, The Star Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
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." [[nid:719186]]
The Star
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Lilo & Stitch' actor David Hekili Kenui Bell dies at 57
David Hekili Kenui Bell played Big Hawaiian Dude in the live action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch'. Photo: David Hekili Kenui Bell/Instagram Lilo & Stitch actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in the live-action remake that hit theatres last month, has reportedly died. He was 57. The death of Bell, who played, was announced Sunday in a Facebook post penned by his older sister. A cause of death was not listed. '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,' wrote Jalene Kanani Bell. '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.' Bell's sister shared that he 'loved being an actor, doing voice-overs, spending time with Brutus travelling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. … 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.' She recalled Bell getting 'the best seats in the house' for their family to watch Lilo & Stitch together on opening night. 'I said we should get shave ice after the movie and reenact the scene 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 emotion was on point,' she said. The news comes less than a month after Lilo & Stitch — a remake of the Hawaii-set 2002 Disney hit about a lonely young girl who finds a best friend in the shape of an escaped alien — began dominating the 2025 box office. On May 28, Bell shared his audition footage for the film, in which he was credited as David H K Bell, along with behind-the-scenes peeks at his time working on the film. Bell made his screen debut in a 2014 episode of the Hawaii Five-0 reboot and appeared in two episodes of the rebooted Magnum P.I. in 2018 and 2019. At the time of his death, Bell had wrapped The Wrecking Crew , Angel Manuel Soto's action-comedy starring Morena Baccarin, Maia Kealoha, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
Daily Express
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Lilo & Stitch actor known as 'Shave Ice Guy' dies at 46
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: A still from the film. - Walt Disney Studios WASHINGTON: David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his brief but comic appearance in Disney's Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, died on 12 June at age 46, The New York Times reported. His sister, Jalene Bell, confirmed the news on social media and in a family statement released on Sunday, without disclosing the cause of death. Advertisement Bell played the 'Shave Ice Guy,' a sunburned beachgoer who drops his dessert in shock when aliens appear, in a running gag revived from the original 2002 film. Although the role was his first in a feature film, Bell had previously acted in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and the Magnum P.I. reboot. He was also cast in the upcoming film The Wrecking Crew, a murder mystery set in Hawaii, according to his IMDb profile. Bell gained recognition in Hawaii through his appearances in Kona Brewing Company's 'One Life, Right?' commercials, which won a 2025 Pele Award. Outside of acting, he worked at Kona International Airport near Kailua-Kona, his sister said in her tribute. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in movie Lilo & Stitch, dies at 46
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell appeared in two scenes of the Lilo & Stitch (2025) live-action remake. PHOTO: DISNEYSTUDIOS/INSTAGRAM NEW YORK - In Disney's latest live-action remake Lilo & Stitch (2025), David Hekili Kenui Bell has a short but memorable role in which he is so bewildered to see aliens that he lets his shaved ice plop to the ground. The appearance was the Hawaiian actor's first in a feature film. Bell, who had played minor roles in a few productions, died on June 12. He was 46. His sister, Jalene Bell, confirmed his death on social media on June 15 and in a family statement that did not provide a cause of death. He was credited simply as Big Hawaiian Dude on his IMDb page, but on TikTok he referred to himself as the Shave Ice Guy. Lilo & Stitch, which is based on the 2002 animated film of the same name, opened in cinemas in May and became one of the most profitable recent films as it raked in more than US$800 million (S$1 billion) in box office sales. Bell's role was part of a running gag in the franchise. In those moments, a sunburned character who is relaxing somewhere drops his ice cream when the aliens arrive. In one of two movie scenes where he appeared, the aliens startle him while he sits at the beach in a sleeveless shirt, with a towel on one shoulder and sunglasses atop his head. Predictably, he drops his shaved ice. 'These damn aliens owe me a shave ice,' he captioned the scene on TikTok. In the original Lilo & Stitch, the man dropping the ice cream is bald and is often not wearing a shirt. Bell had also appeared in two episodes of a Magnum P.I. (2018 to 2024) action series remake in 2018 and 2019, as well as in one episode of a Hawaii Five-0 (2010 to 2020) cop drama remake in 2014, according to IMDb. He was also involved in the upcoming action comedy film The Wrecking Crew, about two half-brothers (Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista) solving their father's murder in Hawaii, his page on the site said. Bell appeared in the One Life, Right? commercials for the Kona Brewing Company. The ads won a 2025 Pele Award, according to his sister and the organisation's website. The Pele Awards honour excellence in advertising and design in Hawaii. Outside of acting, Bell worked at the Kona International Airport near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, according to the social media statement from his sister. To celebrate her brother's life and express their grief, she said that she and her grandson went to get shaved ice. 'David loved being an actor', doing voice-overs and travelling as part of his work, she added. 'The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him.' NYTIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
