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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]]
Mint
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for ‘Lilo & Stitch' live-action remake, dies at 46 in Hawaii
David Hekili Kenui Bell, an actor recently seen in the live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' and popular TV shows such as 'Magnum P.I.' and 'Hawaii Five-0', passed away recently. The actor breathed his last at the age of 46. David's sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, confirmed the news in an emotional Facebook post. A cause of death has not been announced, but Hawaii police have said that no foul play is suspected. 'It is with a heavy heart 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 (sic),' she wrote on Sunday. Bell had recently shared behind-the-scenes photos from the 'Lilo & Stitch' set on his Instagram, including a clip from his audition. In the film, he played a character named Big Hawaiian Dude, who comically drops his shave ice in shock at the sight of an alien portal. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and appeared as Isaac in 'Hawaii Five-0' and Manu Saluni in 'Magnum P.I.' 'David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts (sic),' his sister shared. She also reflected on his strong ties to Hawaiian culture and language. 'He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgin 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 (sic),'she wrote. Bell was originally from Kaimuki and attended Kalani High School. Before his death, he lived in Waimea and worked as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. He is being remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for his humour, heart, and deep connection to Hawaiian identity.
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Actor dies weeks after Disney film hit cinemas
Actor dies weeks after Disney film hit cinemas David Hekili's family have posted a heartfelt tribute to the Hawaiian actor David Hekili Kenui Bell appeared in the live-action Lilo & Stitch A Disney actor starring in a new film has died weeks after its release. David Hekili Kenui Bell recently appeared in the live-action remake of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch that premiered in cinemas in May this year. But his family have now confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement posted on social media on Monday, June 16. David's sister Jalene announced the tragedy on Facebook, confirming he died the previous day and describing him a "sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome" brother. She revealed that whilst she never had a father figure as a child, "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." Jalene expressed how she had met David at her graduation after "asking for years" to meet him. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter She wrote: "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." Article continues below The last time Jalene spent with David was when he invited their family to the movie premiere of Lilo & Stitch in Kapolei. She said: "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 LandS gear head to toe, t-shirts, onesies, hats, masks, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for popcorn." As well as the Disney film, the Hawaiian actor made appearances on popular shows like Magnum P. I. and Hawaii Five-0 and was the voice of the P.A. system at Kona Airport. David's agent Lashauna Downie, expressed her shock with TMZ, saying: "I am learning like you through social media. This is heart breaking and sad. He was one of my best talent and embodied the true meaning of aloha... a gentle giant." Fans took to X to express their grief, with one saying: "rest easy, mahalo for the memories and the mana you gave this world." Article continues below Another said: "Aw man, RIP to the Lilo and Stitch legend. Gone too soon." His cause of death has not been confirmed.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
David Hekili Kenui Bell dead: Lilo and Stitch star dies weeks after big screen debut as heartbroken family pays tribute
A LILO and Stitch star has died just weeks after his big screen debut with heartbroken tributes pouring in. Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell sadly passed away with his sister Jalene Kanani Bell, announcing the shocking news in a heartbreaking post on Facebook. 4 Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell has died 4 He starred in Lilo and Stitch recently 4 The actor's sister announced his sudden passing Credit: Facebook She said: "It is with a heavy heart 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. 'He was and will remain a bright and shining star. "He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment.' Bell was credited in the Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation as the character 'Big Hawaiian Dude.' His cause of death has not yet been revealed. But his sister revealed that Bell treated the family to a screening of the live-action show after its release just weeks ago. She added: "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. 'Hug your loved ones today…our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy. 'Blessed by this and all the big and small moments. Inside brand new Lilo and Stitch cafe in Scots store 'I will keep our memories alive.' The actor's representative, Lashauna Downie, told TMZ that she only learned of Bell's passing through social media. She called Bell a 'gentle giant' and called his passing both 'heartbreaking' and 'sad.' 'I am learning like you through social media,' Downie told the outlet. 'This is heartbreaking & sad. "He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.' Proud Hawaiian Bell was known locally for his voice work over the P.A. system at Kona Airport. Bell previously starred in TV shows such as Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0. Tributes from fans have poured in on social media since Bell's passing. One wrote: "So sad! What a loss for his family, friends and fans." Another said: "RIP young star."
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
David Hekili Kenui Bell dead: Lilo and Stitch star dies weeks after big screen debut as heartbroken family pays tribute
A LILO and Stitch star has died just weeks after his big screen debut with heartbroken tributes pouring in. Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell sadly passed away with his sister Jalene Kanani Bell, announcing the shocking news in a heartbreaking post on Facebook . Advertisement 4 Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell has died 4 He starred in Lilo and Stitch recently 4 The actor's sister announced his sudden passing Credit: Facebook She said: "It is with a heavy heart 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. 'He was and will remain a bright and shining star. "He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment.' Advertisement Bell was credited in the Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation as the character 'Big Hawaiian Dude.' His cause of death has not yet been revealed. But his sister revealed that Bell treated the family to a screening of the live-action show after its release just weeks ago. She added: "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. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity 'Hug your loved ones today…our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy. 'Blessed by this and all the big and small moments. Inside brand new Lilo and Stitch cafe in Scots store 'I will keep our memories alive.' The actor's representative, Lashauna Downie, Advertisement She called Bell a 'gentle giant' and called his passing both 'heartbreaking' and 'sad.' 'I am learning like you through social media,' Downie told the outlet. 'This is heartbreaking & sad. "He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.' Proud Hawaiian Bell was known locally for his voice work over the P.A. system at Kona Airport. Advertisement Bell previously starred in TV shows such as Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0. Tributes from fans have poured in on social media since Bell's passing. Read more on the Irish Sun One wrote: "So sad! What a loss for his family, friends and fans." Another said: "RIP young star." Advertisement 4 Bell's cause of death has not yet been revealed Credit: Facebook
