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Tragedy Strikes The 'Ohana: Remembering The Lilo & Stitch Actors Who Have Passed Away

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The Disney film *Lilo & Stitch*, a story about 'ohana (family) that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, has recently been touched by tragedy with the unexpected passing of one of its live-action remake actors. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans are mourning the loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell, whose death came just weeks after the premiere of the highly anticipated new film.

This article serves as a tribute, providing the most current and updated information on the recent loss of David Hekili Kenui Bell, while also honoring the lives and careers of other essential cast members from the original animated classic who have also passed away, David Ogden Stiers and Zoe Caldwell, cementing their lasting legacy in the beloved franchise.

David Hekili Kenui Bell: Biography and Sudden Passing

David Hekili Kenui Bell was a rising figure in the Hawaiian acting community, known for his authentic presence and commitment to local storytelling. His career was gaining significant momentum, making his sudden death a profound shock to his colleagues and the community he served.

  • Full Name: David Hekili Kenui Bell
  • Born: Circa 1979 (Specific date not widely publicized)
  • Birthplace: Hawaii
  • Death Date: June 12, 2025
  • Age at Death: 46
  • Location of Death: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
  • Known Roles: "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the *Lilo & Stitch* live-action remake, Manu Saluni in *Magnum P.I.*, and a role in *Hawaii Five-O*
  • Notable Career Highlight: His inclusion in the live-action *Lilo & Stitch* cast, which brought him international attention just before his passing.

The Tragic Timing of Bell's Death

The news of David Hekili Kenui Bell’s death on June 12, 2025, sent a wave of sadness through the film community, particularly given its proximity to the release of the Disney live-action remake. The *Lilo & Stitch* live-action film, a highly anticipated reimagining of the 2002 animated classic, was released on May 23, 2025, meaning Bell passed away less than three weeks after the film's theatrical debut.

Bell, who was born and raised in Hawaii, was a passionate advocate for authentic representation in Hawaiian cinema. His role as the "Big Hawaiian Dude" was one of several parts that demonstrated his commitment to his heritage and his community. His family confirmed the tragic news, describing his death as unexpected.

While an official, conclusive cause of death has not been widely publicized, sources indicate that Bell died unexpectedly in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. An investigation was launched, though no foul play was suspected. An autopsy performed in the weeks following his passing found that he had stasis dermatitis, a skin condition caused by poor blood circulation, but this finding has not been officially confirmed as the sole cause of death. The community continues to mourn the loss of a kind, caring, and talented actor whose career was just beginning to reach new heights.

Honoring the Voices of the Original 'Ohana

The recent passing of David Hekili Kenui Bell brings to mind two other iconic actors from the original *Lilo & Stitch* animated universe who are no longer with us. Their voices helped define the unique charm and enduring message of the 2002 movie, and their loss is still felt by fans of the franchise.

David Ogden Stiers: The Genius Behind Jumba

David Ogden Stiers was a prolific actor whose distinctive voice brought life to one of the most memorable characters in the Disney canon: Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the "evil genius" creator of Experiment 626 (Stitch). His performance as Jumba, a character who evolves from a mad scientist to a member of Lilo’s extended 'ohana, provided much of the film's comedic and emotional depth.

  • Role: Voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba (in *Lilo & Stitch* and subsequent sequels/series)
  • Death Date: March 3, 2018
  • Age at Death: 75
  • Cause of Death: Battling bladder cancer
  • Legacy: Stiers was a celebrated actor best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on the TV series *M\*A\*S\*H*. In the world of Disney, he also famously voiced Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast*. His passing in 2018 marked a significant loss for the animation and television industries, but his voice remains an integral part of the *Lilo & Stitch* legacy.

Stiers' portrayal of Jumba was characterized by a thick, humorous, and slightly manic Eastern European-like accent, perfectly capturing the character's over-the-top personality. The sheer volume of his work, including his roles in multiple Disney productions, highlights his importance as an entity in the history of animated cinema.

Zoe Caldwell: The Authority of the Grand Councilwoman

The voice of the Grand Councilwoman, the leader of the Galactic Federation, belonged to the formidable and accomplished actress Zoe Caldwell. Her performance as the stern, no-nonsense alien leader provided the perfect foil to the chaos introduced by Jumba and Stitch.

  • Role: Voice of the Grand Councilwoman (in *Lilo & Stitch* and subsequent sequels/series)
  • Death Date: February 16, 2020
  • Age at Death: 86
  • Cause of Death: Complications from Parkinson's disease
  • Legacy: Zoe Caldwell was a theatrical powerhouse, a four-time Tony Award-winning actress and director. Her distinguished stage career included acclaimed performances in productions like *Master Class* and *Medea*. Her decision to lend her voice to an animated Disney film underscored the quality of the *Lilo & Stitch* cast. She passed away in Pound Ridge, New York, leaving behind a monumental body of work in theatre and film.

Caldwell's delivery as the Grand Councilwoman was precise, commanding, and often subtly hilarious, especially when dealing with the absurdity of Earth culture and the antics of her alien subordinates, Pleakley and Jumba. Her contribution ensured that the galactic side of the story felt weighty and important, balancing the intimate family drama on Earth.

The Enduring 'Ohana: A Legacy of Talent

The passing of these three talented actors—David Hekili Kenui Bell, David Ogden Stiers, and Zoe Caldwell—serves as a poignant reminder of the creative forces that shaped the *Lilo & Stitch* universe. The franchise’s core theme, the strength of family and the idea that "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten," resonates more deeply now than ever.

Bell’s recent death, shortly after his appearance in the live-action remake, is particularly heartbreaking as it cuts short a promising career that was about to be seen by a global audience. His dedication to representing his Hawaiian culture authentically, alongside other talented local actors like Tia Carrere (Nani in the original, Mrs. Kekoa in the remake) and Jason Scott Lee (David Kawena in the original, a cameo in the remake), was a key component of the new film's cultural richness.

The collective loss of these voices and faces—the booming genius of Jumba, the authoritative presence of the Grand Councilwoman, and the rising star of a dedicated Hawaiian actor—underscores the fragile nature of life and the lasting impact of their artistic contributions. Fans worldwide will continue to cherish the films, ensuring that these actors and their work are never forgotten, keeping the spirit of 'ohana alive.

The *Lilo & Stitch* franchise, including the upcoming live-action film, the original animated movie, and the spin-off television series, will forever stand as a testament to their talent and the enduring power of a story about finding family in the most unexpected places.

Tragedy Strikes the 'Ohana: Remembering the Lilo & Stitch Actors Who Have Passed Away
lilo and stitch actor dead
lilo and stitch actor dead

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