The live-action Lilo & Sew ohana is grieving the lack of David Hekili Kenui Bell, a Hawaiian actor and member of the solid in Disney’s not too long ago launched live-action remake of the beloved animated basic. Bell handed away not too long ago, as confirmed by his sister Jalene Kanani Bell in a heartfelt Fb put up. Whereas no reason for demise was given, his passing has sparked an outpouring of affection and tributes from co-stars who labored carefully with him through the movie’s manufacturing in Hawaii.
Sydney Agudong, who performs Lilo’s massive sister Nani within the 2025 film launch, is amongst these paying tribute. In an emotional Instagram Story, she shared a photograph of Bell on set, sporting a pareo and seated peacefully, together with a heartfelt message. Agudong remembered Bell as a “lovely, vibrant, and sort soul” and expressed her gratitude for the time they spent working collectively on the movie. She concluded her message with, “I want we had extra time with you right here. A Hui Hou & Relaxation in Peace, David Hekili ❤️.”
Becoming a member of her in honoring Bell’s reminiscence was Maia Kealoha, who performs the long-lasting function of Lilo within the movie, and her mom, Brittney Kealoha. In a joint Instagram put up shared by way of her official account (which is managed by her dad and mom), Maia’s household remembered Bell affectionately as “Uncle David.” The caption learn like a letter:
Eh Uncle David, avoid wasting shave ice for me too ok?! Maia is unquestionably going to overlook telling you that. Relaxation in love @hekili97 In Hawai’i calling somebody uncle, auntie, tutu (grandma) and many others. when they don’t seem to be blood associated is an indication of respect. David was that to Maia, he was similar to one in every of her uncles and handled her like his personal ohana. David I’m so happy with you and completely satisfied for all that you just completed on this life. You undoubtedly made your mark all over the world. 🍧 A hui hou pal, love the Kealoha ohana
Bell’s function within the movie might have been small, but it surely was a significant replace from the unique. Within the 2025 remake, Bell performs a neighborhood model of the ice cream vacationer character, who, within the animated film, repeatedly drops his cone in disbelief. Bell’s scene modernizes and localizes the second: he drops a shaved ice deal with when witnessing Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) seem by way of a portal. It is a small beat, however one rooted within the manufacturing’s broader effort to symbolize Hawaiian tradition with care.
In line with Deadline‘s reporting, exterior of appearing, Bell had a full life as an assistant airport superintendent at Kona Worldwide Airport and lent his voice to PA bulletins that vacationers heard upon arrival. He had appeared on Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. and was concerned in upcoming tasks, together with Amazon and MGM’s The Wrecking Crew, alongside Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista.
Simply weeks earlier than his demise, Bell had shared his audition tape and behind-the-scenes photographs from Lilo & Sew, expressing satisfaction within the movie and its field workplace success, in addition to within the native Hawaiian crew who helped convey it to life. His ardour for the humanities, neighborhood, and tradition was evident in each put up.
David H. Ok. Bell’s time was tragically reduce brief, however his impression lives on—within the hearts of those that knew him and in his remaining movie efficiency. Audiences can nonetheless see him on the massive display screen as Disney’s newest live-action remake continues to crush it, and later, when it turns into out there to stream with a Disney+ subscription.