'Lilo & Stitch' actor David Hekili Kenui Bell dies at 46: 'A beautiful spirit'
Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently made his silver screen debut in Disney's live-action "Lilo & Stitch," has died. He was 46.
Bell died on June 12, his family confirmed in a press release shared by his agent Lashuana Downie on June 17. A cause of death was not disclosed, although the release notes Bell's death was a "peaceful passing."
Hawaiʻi Police Department Public Relations Officer Denise Laitinen confirmed in a June 17 statement to Paste BN that Bell died in the afternoon on June 12, and "no foul play is suspected" while the department's investigation is "ongoing." As is standard practice, Laitinen said, a coroner's inquest investigation and autopsy are slated to take place.
The actor, who previously made appearances on the shows "Hawaii Five-0" and "Magnum P.I.," played the character "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the adaptation of the 2002 animated film about a young Hawaiian girl who befriends an alien fugitive. The movie premiered on May 23 and has grossed $858.6 million worldwide to date.
"David was celebrated for his talent and presence in front of the camera and admired for the aloha he brought into every space he entered," Bell's family said in a statement. "Our 'ohana' is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and respectfully asks for continued aloha and privacy during this time of remembrance and healing."
Downie, who praised Bell as an "extraordinary talent," added in a separate statement: "David brought light, kindness, and a beautiful spirit to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives he touched."
With regard to memorial services for the actor, Bell's family said additional information will be "shared in the coming days."
In his review of the film, Paste BN's movie critic Brian Truitt described "Lilo & Stitch" as an "excessively earnest Disney Channel movie compared with the delightfully unhinged 2002 cartoon."
"The updated 'Lilo' pulls back on the sci-fi action to focus instead on the emotional story of two orphaned human siblings," Truitt wrote. "That old 'Ohana means family' riff still hits right in the feels, though what this latest outing lacks most is the first film's electric charm. ... This 'Stitch' settles on being a fine retread instead of a rabble-rousing romp."
(This story was updated to add a photo and more information.)
Contributing: Brian Truitt, Paste BN