David Hekili Kenui Bell, a beloved Hawai‘i native and scene-stealer in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, has died at age 57. The actor’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, though no cause of death has been announced. Her post can be found below:
“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. He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough. You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience.”
Who Was David H. K. Bell?
Bell was a SAG-AFTRA member with credits on Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., and he had recently celebrated his role as “Big Hawaiian Dude” — a character who hilariously drops his shaved ice in awe of an alien portal when confronted by Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) — in the $850 million-grossing remake of Lilo & Stitch. His performance was a culturally respectful update to the original film’s ice cream tourist gag and earned him scene-stealing recognition among local audiences.
Bell often voiced his love for the local film industry and frequently highlighted the contributions of Hawaiian crew members. “They deserve just as much or more recognition!” he wrote on Instagram following a cast and crew screening. His full post in tribute to the film said as follows:
“Now, Mahalo to all who worked on this film! I knew it would be special to attend a Cast and CREW screening and it didn’t disappoint! Was so awesome to see so many of the true stars in my opinion, our local crew in Hawaii. They deserve just as much or more recognition! Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.”
Bell’s final credits include the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film The Wrecking Crew, starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, which is currently in post-production. He also lent his voice to announcements at Kona Airport, where he worked as an assistant airport superintendent. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Lilo & Stitch
- Release Date
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May 21, 2025
- Runtime
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108 Minutes
- Director
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Dean Fleischer Camp
- Writers
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Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
- Producers
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Tom C. Peitzman, Dan Lin, Ryan Halprin
-
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Chris Sanders
Stitch (voice)
Source: Facebook
