David Hekili Kenui Bell, Hawaiian actor in "Lilo & Stitch" live action dies at 46
Known for his short roles in Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0, Lilo & Stitch was his debut on films.
The Hawaiian actor, David Hekili Kenui Bell, has died at 46 years-old, according to his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell. The actor worked on the recent Lilo & Stitch movie, which premiered last month. Hawaiian police told People that the actor died on June 12th. He played an iconic character in the film, a fan favorite from the original movie and series.
His last public appearance was in Kapolei, during the gala function of the film. In a social media post, Jalene said that her brother was a "generous, brilliant, and fun" man. According to his sister, David had been an ambassador of Hawaiian culture and how tourists approach the island. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
What character did Bell play in Lilo & Stitch?
"Big Hawaiian Dude" is the name of the iconic character that the actor played in the film. While Bell may not have been physically similar to the original design, his role was important in the original 2002 animated movie and later on the TV show. It was a running gag, a constant mock that, due to repetition, became a joke in its own right.
Bell played that character in the movie, the one man who always has an ice cream in his hand, but always drops it to the floor due to something that Stitch or his gang did. The original design was a big and bold man with sunglases, no shirt and notorious sun marks on his body. The actor had a different profile, but fans recognized him immediately.
Bell did not have the same profile of the original design, but fans love their apperance on the live-action, being recognized by the icecream gag. Photo: GLR Composition / Disney
David Hekili Kenui Bell's career
Bell was known for his work on TV shows based in Hawaii. He appeared on Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0. Lilo & Stitch live-action was his movie debut, and he died just days after the worldwide premiere. According to IMDb, the actor also has an unconfirmed role in the upcoming production The Wrecking Crew.
On his Facebook profile, Bell posted that he was a SAG-AFTRA actor on those productions, as well as in acting work at Volcano Bay at Universal, Orlando, Kona Brewing HI, and Waiakea Water, some tourist spots in Hawaii. Lashuana Downie, Bell's manager, told TMZ, "He was one of my greatest talents and a true symbol of aloha."
