Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in the live-action Lilo & Stitch as the “Big Hawaiian Dude,” has passed away. He was only 46.
His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced the sad news in a post on Facebook on Sunday. 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. 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.”
Related: Project Runway Designer Killed In Salt Lake City No Kings Protest
According to Jalene, David died “two short weeks” after he brought his family to a screening of the live-action movie — his big screen debut! — when it dropped late last month:
“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. 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.”
So, so heartbreaking.
His rep, Lashauna Downie, also spoke out about his sudden death. She told TMZ she only found out about through social media:
“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.”
At this time, the cause of death has not been revealed. We’re sending so much love and light to his family members following this tragedy. Rest in peace, David…
[Image via David Hekili Kenui Bell/Instagram, Lilo & Stitch/Walt Disney Pictures]
The post ‘A Gentle Giant’: <i>Lilo & Stitch</i> Actor Dead At 46 — Right After His Big Screen Debut… appeared first on Perez Hilton.