‘Lilo & Stitch’ live action star dies at 46

Lilo & Stitch star David Hekili Kenui Bell has passed away at the age of 46.

The actor, who appeared in the 2025 live action remake as the Big Hawaiian Dude as well as Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., breathed his last on June 12.

A couple of days after his death, his sister Jalene Kanani Bell mustered the courage to announce his passing in a Facebook post.

She began her emotional and lengthy caption with, writing, "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," on Sunday, June 16.

Accompanied by photos from the Lilo & Stitch set on Facebook, including a clip from his brother’s audition, Jalene continued, "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."

While the cause of death has not been disclosed, Hawaii police reportedly stated that no foul play is suspected.

Additionally, Disney posted a statement on Tuesday, June 17, saying "We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell. Kind, caring, and a friend to all on set; he will forever be a member of the Disney and Lilo & Stitch family."

David played the character who comedically drops his shave ice at the sight of an alien portal in Lilo & Stitch live action remake, released on May 23, 2025.