David Hekili, ‘Lilo & Stitch' actor passes away at 57. Who was he?
David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in the live-action remake of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, has passed away. Jalene Kanani Bell, his sister, confirmed the news on her Facebook account on Sunday, June 15.
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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
David Hekili Kenui Bell, beloved actor from Lilo & Stitch live-action film, dies unexpectedly
— Lilo & Stitch News (@LiloStitchLA) June 16, 2025 Rising star David Bell passes away Bell brought charm, humour and depth to every role he played, including his recent portrayal of the 'Big Hawaiian Dude' in Lilo & Stitch, where his character memorably drops his shaved ice dessert at the sight of an alien portal. Known for his voice acting, love for the performing arts, and deep connection to Hawaiian culture, Bell was cherished both on and off screen. I'm saddened by the news that David Hekili Kenui Bell has passed away. I never had the privilege of meeting him in person but we talked in DM's. He was so excited for his breakout role as the "Shave Ice Guy" in Lilo and Stitch. You will be missed greatly. Rest in Heaven. — Reel News Hawaii (@reelnewshawaii) June 16, 2025 His sister described him as a vibrant soul who was not only brilliant and funny, but deeply generous. She said that David's ability to deliver lines using a combination of English, Pidgin, and Indigenous understanding made him truly unique in the industry. His voice can even be heard over the public announcement system at Kona Airport, where he worked and created a welcoming environment for travellers. Passion for Hawaii, acting and the arts Originally from Kaimuki, Bell attended both Punahou School and Kalani High School. Before his death, he was living in Waimea and served as the assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Despite his position in aviation, acting remained his true passion. David Hekili Kenui Bell | Credit: X He was a proud Screen Actors Guild member and had recently shared his excitement about Lilo & Stitch on social media, expressing gratitude to the local Hawaiian crew and the cast. He called them 'the true stars,' and felt honoured to attend the cast and crew screening. A legacy that lives on David Hekili Kenui Bell leaves behind a legacy of laughter, authenticity, and pride in his roots. His sudden passing has left a void in the Hawaiian entertainment community and among his many admirers. He will be remembered not only for his talent but also for his dedication to elevating local voices and culture in global cinema. First Published: Jun 17, 2025, 09:42 IST I am your go-to girl for all things entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle. With three years of experience, I have got an eye for spotting trends that'll leave you craving for more. Whether it's the latest in fashion or the hottest celebrity gossip, I am is always on top of what's next—and ready to spill all the tea in the most fun way possible. Keep following for more fun stuff! Read More 17/6/2025 9:47:31
Pink Villa
3 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Who Was David Hekili Kenui Bell? Hawaiian Actor From Lilo & Stitch Passes Away Days After Sharing BTS From Set
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to an individual's death. David Hekili Kenui Bell, an actor known for his appearance in Disney's recent live-action film Lilo & Stitch, has passed away. The news was confirmed by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, in a heartfelt Facebook post. A cause of death has not yet been shared. Bell was a proud Hawaiian who embraced his roots through his work in the local entertainment industry and his service at Kona Airport. He recently appeared in Disney's remake of the 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch, portraying a local version of the 'ice cream tourist' character, a fan-favorite moment from the original. In the updated version, Bell drops his shave ice after spotting aliens Jumba and Pleakley. Jalene remembered her brother as generous, funny, brilliant, and handsome. In her post, she wrote, "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 also recalled their final family outing together, just two weeks ago, when Bell treated them to the Lilo & Stitch opening night in Kapolei. "We watched fans in full Stitch gear, shared popcorn, and dreamed of shave ice after the film," she wrote. His representative, Lashauna Downie, also shared her shock: "I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking & sad. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant." Who was David Hekili Kenui Bell? Bell was born and raised in Hawaii and is recognized for his passion for acting, voiceover work, and community involvement. He appeared in shows like Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 and was a member of SAG-AFTRA. According to IMDb, he was also part of The Wrecking Crew, an upcoming Amazon MGM action-comedy starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, as per Deadline. His voice could be heard over the P.A. system at Kona Airport, where he worked as Assistant Airport Superintendent. "He loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience," his sister shared. Bell attended Kalani High School, Hawaii Community College, and Kapiolani Community College. He also had a strong social media presence, where he posted behind-the-scenes photos and his audition for the role of Big Hawaiian Dude in Lilo & Stitch. In an earlier post, he wrote, "Mahalo to all who worked on this film! I knew it would be special to attend a Cast and CREW screening and it didn't disappoint!" For Bell, the chance to represent local Hawaiian culture in a major Disney film meant everything. He celebrated the crew and cast in Hawaii who helped bring the world of Lilo & Stitch to life. "They deserve just as much or more recognition!" he wrote. Jalene shared that the arts meant a great deal to David. She said he loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, and traveling with his dog Brutus as an ambassador for Kona Brew. She also stated that he attended Punahou and Kalani, and since their father spoke Hawaiian, David had a unique ability to deliver lines with a deep understanding of English, Indigenous knowledge, and local Pidgin, something she described as making him a 'diamond in the rough.'
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
David H.K. Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch' actor, dies weeks after his movie debut
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell , who recently appeared in the 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action remake, has passed away. His death was confirmed by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, on social media. The cause of death has not been announced. '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,' Jalene Kanani Bell wrote in a post on who has also appeared in shows like 'Magnum P.I.' and 'Hawaii Five-0,' had recently shared photos from the 'Lilo & Stitch' set on Instagram. He had also posted a clip from his audition as well. In the movie, he played a character named Big Hawaiian Dude who comedically drops his shaved ice dessert at the sight of an alien portal. The Screen Actors Guild member also appeared as Isaac in 'Hawaii Five-0' Season 5, Episode 4, where he played a character named Manu Saluni, and in 'Magnum P.I.' Season a tribute to her brother HK Bell, Jalene Kanani Bell said that David loved being an actor and doing voiceovers, and the film industry and entertainment were so exciting to him. 'David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, and 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,' Bell added in her tribute.'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,' she said. Hailing from Kaimuki, Bell studied at Kalani High School, according to his Facebook page. He was living in Waimea prior to his death and had worked as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at May 2025, the actor wrote about 'Lilo & Stitch' on his Instagram. 'Now, Mahalo to everyone who worked on this film! I knew it would be special to attend a Cast and CREW screening and it didn't disappoint! It was so awesome to see so many of the true stars in my opinion, our local crew in Hawaii' he had said.
