Losing a piece of your childhood is always a gut punch. Honestly, for many Disney fans, the Lilo & Stitch universe is more than just a movie about a blue alien—it’s about the concept of Ohana. Family. That’s why the recent news of a lilo and stitch actor dead hit so hard, especially since it involves a fresh face from the highly anticipated live-action remake.
David Hekili Kenui Bell, who played the "Big Hawaiian Dude" in the 2025 live-action reimagining of the classic, passed away at the age of 46. It’s one of those stories that just feels wrong. He had just celebrated the movie’s premiere with his family, buying out the best seats in the house in Kapolei to watch his big moment. Two weeks later, he was gone.
What Happened to David Hekili Kenui Bell?
The details are heartbreaking. David, known to many as a "gentle giant" in the Hawaiian acting community, died on June 12, 2025. According to reports from the Hawaii Police Department, he was found on the Big Island. While a coroner’s inquest was launched—standard practice for a sudden death—the police were quick to clarify that no foul play was suspected.
He was only 46. Think about that.
Later, an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE shed some light on his final moments. Bell had apparently complained of difficulty breathing before he passed. The medical records noted things like stasis dermatitis and edema, which are basically issues with blood circulation and fluid buildup in the legs. While the report didn't pinpoint a single "smoking gun" cause of death immediately, it painted a picture of someone who might have been struggling with underlying health issues that caught up with him far too soon.
A Career Built on Aloha
David wasn't just a guy in a Disney movie. He was a staple of the local Hawaiian scene. You’ve probably seen him if you’re a fan of island-based procedurals. He popped up in:
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- Hawaii Five-0
- Magnum P.I.
- Kona Brewing commercials (where he was essentially the face of island chill)
He also worked at the Kona Airport. If you ever flew into the Big Island and heard a voice over the PA system guiding you through the terminal, there’s a good chance that was him. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, described him as a "bright and shining star" who embodied the true meaning of Aloha. It’s rare to find an actor whose real-life personality so perfectly matches the warmth of the projects they work on.
Other Losses in the Lilo and Stitch Family
When people search for lilo and stitch actor dead, they are often looking for David Bell, but the franchise has lost other legends over the years. It’s a somber list that reminds us how long this story has been a part of our lives.
David Ogden Stiers (Dr. Jumba Jookiba)
We can't talk about this without mentioning the man who voiced the "evil genius" scientist, Jumba. David Ogden Stiers passed away back in March 2018 at the age of 75. He died from bladder cancer at his home in Newport, Oregon.
Stiers was a titan. Most people knew him as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III from MASH*, but to a generation of kids, he was the voice of Jumba. He brought this weird, operatic, yet tender quality to a character that could have just been a generic villain. His absence in the live-action world is definitely felt.
The Voice of the Councilwoman and Others
The original 2002 film had a stacked voice cast. While the core "human" actors like Tia Carrere (Nani) and Jason Scott Lee (David Kawena) are still with us and even appearing in the new live-action version (Tia plays a social worker now!), the passage of time is inevitable.
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There’s often confusion online about Daveigh Chase, who voiced Lilo. Let’s clear that up: She is alive. There were some viral hoaxes and dark news cycles regarding her personal life and legal troubles years ago, but she is not the person people are mourning when they see these headlines.
The Impact on the Live-Action Remake
The death of David H.K. Bell cast a shadow over what should have been a purely celebratory time for the new movie. Imagine being a local actor, landing a role in a massive Disney production filmed in your backyard, and then not living to see the full impact of your work.
It’s heavy.
The live-action Lilo & Stitch was already under a microscope. Fans are protective of the 2002 original. They care about the representation of Hawaiian culture. David Bell was a part of that authentic representation. He wasn't just a background extra; he was a recognizable face to the people of Hawaii.
Remembering the "Gentle Giant"
If there is a lesson here, it’s probably what David’s sister shared on social media. She talked about how their last moments together were just sitting on a couch, "talking story" about life and genealogy. Basically, just being family.
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The franchise teaches us that family isn't just who you're born with; it's who you choose. David Bell chose to be a light in his community. Whether he was acting in a blockbuster or helping tourists at an airport, he left an impression.
How to Honor the Legacy
If you're a fan of the series and want to pay respects, here’s what you can actually do:
- Support Hawaiian Creators: The best way to honor actors like Bell is to support the local industry they loved.
- Watch the Remake with Context: When you see the "Big Hawaiian Dude" on screen, remember the man behind the role.
- Practice Aloha: It sounds cheesy, but Bell’s colleagues and family emphasize that he lived by this. Be kind to the people in your "circus."
The entertainment world is fickle. One day you're a headline, the next you're a memory. But for the Lilo & Stitch community, David Bell's contribution—and the legacy of those like David Ogden Stiers—ensures that the spirit of the story stays alive.
To keep up with the latest updates on the live-action release and tribute events, you can follow official Disney social channels or Hawaiian news outlets like the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, which frequently covers the local cast's impact.