David Hekili Kenui Bell, the rising actor who recently appeared in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” has passed away. The news was confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell. No cause of death has been disclosed.
“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.
Bell brought a memorable twist to a beloved character in “Lilo & Stitch,” portraying a local version of the tourist who repeatedly drops his mint chocolate chip ice cream. In this version, Bell’s character fumbles his shaved ice at the sight of Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) opening a portal.
Just two weeks ago, Bell had shared his audition tape for the role of “Big Hawaiian Dude” and posted behind-the-scenes snapshots. Reflecting on his experience, he wrote, “Mahalo to all who worked on this film!…our local crew in Hawaii…deserve just as much or more recognition!”
Bell, a SAG-AFTRA member, also appeared in Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. He had completed work on “The Wrecking Crew,” an Amazon MGM Studios action-comedy featuring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.
“David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew,” his sister shared. “He went to Punahou and Kalani… his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge, and Pidgen to da Max… made him a diamond in the rough.”
