David Hekili Kenui Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch' actor, dies at 46
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' live adaption that released last month, has died, according to his family and a representative. He was 46.
His sister, Jolene Kanani Bell, announced his passing on Facebook Sunday.
'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,' she wrote.
"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," she continued.
No cause of death was disclosed.
Bell explained that she met her little brother at the age of 18 on her high school graduation day.
'It was the most amazing surprise which I had been asking for for years, that our mom's made happen for us, and that gift has lasted a lifetime,' she wrote. '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.'
She remembered her brother as loving and engaged with his nieces and grandnephew.
She also described his deep love for acting and doing voiceovers, and how excited he was over his big break in "Lilo & Stitch."
'He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment,' his sister wrote. '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."
She said they felt "energized" by seeing the fans show up dressed in "Lilo & Stitch" merch, hats and masks and they celebrated by eating shaved ice after the movie.
She concluded her post by reflecting on their last time together.
'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, I will keep our memories alive,' she wrote.
The actor's management agency, Bliss Models and Talent, paid tribute to Bell on Instagram.
"I just heard the news of David H.K. Bell's passing 💔," agency owner Lashauna Downie wrote.
She remembered Bell as "one of the best talent, a gentle giant with lots of aloha!"
"You will be deeply missed. It was a true blessing seeing you rise to fame yet continue to be your humble self ⭐️. My thoughts & prayers go out to David's entire Ohana," Downie wrote.
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