Latest news with #BigHawaiianDude
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Lilo & Stitch star tragically dies weeks after movie's release
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. 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 honouring 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. '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.'
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Hekili Kenui Bell death: Lilo & Stitch star dies
David Hekili Kenui Bell, best known for his appearance in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch, has died. News of his death was shared on Facebook by his sister Jalene Kanani Bell. No cause of death has been shared. '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. On Lilo & Stitch, he played a character named Big Hawaiian Dude, a nod to the Ice Cream Man – a running gag in the animated films, where a hapless tourist repeatedly drops his ice cream before he can eat it. In the 2025 live action version, Big Hawaiian Dude drops his shaved ice when he sees Zach Galifianakis's Jumba and Billy Magnussen's Pleakley open the portal to the island. Two weeks ago, Bell had shared a video of his audition tape for Big Hawaiian Dude, along with several behind-the-scenes photos from the set. In a previous Instagram post, he gave a shout out to the cast and crew from the film, writing: 'Now, 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! Was so awesome to see so many of the true stars in my opinion, our local crew in Hawaii. They deserve just as much or more recognition! Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed. Until the next one, Ohana!' According to Bell's bio, he had also appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI. His IMDb page also lists that he was working on Amazon MGM Studios' forthcoming film The Wrecking Crew, which also stars Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. His sister's message also shared: '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. 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.'
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Hekili Kenui Bell death: Lilo & Stitch star dies
David Hekili Kenui Bell, best known for his appearance in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch, has died. News of his death was shared on Facebook by his sister Jalene Kanani Bell. No cause of death has been shared. '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. On Lilo & Stitch, he played a character named Big Hawaiian Dude, a nod to the Ice Cream Man – a running gag in the animated films, where a hapless tourist repeatedly drops his ice cream before he can eat it. In the 2025 live action version, Big Hawaiian Dude drops his shaved ice when he sees Zach Galifianakis's Jumba and Billy Magnussen's Pleakley open the portal to the island. Two weeks ago, Bell had shared a video of his audition tape for Big Hawaiian Dude, along with several behind-the-scenes photos from the set. In a previous Instagram post, he gave a shout out to the cast and crew from the film, writing: 'Now, 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! Was so awesome to see so many of the true stars in my opinion, our local crew in Hawaii. They deserve just as much or more recognition! Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed. Until the next one, Ohana!' According to Bell's bio, he had also appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI. His IMDb page also lists that he was working on Amazon MGM Studios' forthcoming film The Wrecking Crew, which also stars Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. His sister's message also shared: '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. 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.'
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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
