David H.K. Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ star, passes away

Heartbreaking news has hit the entertainment world as David Hekili Kenui Bell, a gifted Hawaiian actor featured in Disney’s new live-action feature Lilo & Stitch, has tragically passed away, as Deadline reports.

His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, broke the somber news via a Facebook post, though she refrained from mentioning any cause of death.

“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,” Jalene expressed. Such raw emotion cuts deeper than the sanitized statements we’re often fed in today’s overly cautious culture. Let’s pay tribute to Bell by focusing on his real achievements, not wrapping his loss in empty, politically correct jargon.

Honoring a Hawaiian talent

A native Hawaiian, David H.K. Bell built a career that celebrated his heritage while showcasing his passion for acting. He pursued education at Kalani High School, Hawaii Community College, and Kapiolani Community College, laying a strong foundation before chasing his Hollywood dreams.

Bell’s on-screen credits include appearances in CBS staples like ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Magnum P.I.,’ proving his range as a performer. In an industry sometimes more obsessed with ticking diversity boxes than rewarding raw skill, Bell’s success stood as a testament to genuine talent winning out.

He was also slated for a role in The Wrecking Crew, an Amazon MGM Studios action-comedy currently in post-production, starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as half-brothers tackling a conspiracy in Hawaii. It’s a project that seemed tailor-made for Bell’s authentic island vibe, making his loss all the more poignant.

Stealing Scenes in Lilo & Stitch

Bell’s role in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch remake captured attention, even in a small part where his character drops shaved ice in shock at a portal-opening moment. It’s a humorous nod to the animated classic’s tourist dropping ice cream, reimagined with Bell’s unique flair.

Just two weeks before his passing, Bell took to social media to share his enthusiasm, posting an audition clip for the “Big Hawaiian Dude” role and behind-the-scenes images from the set. In a Hollywood often drowning in manufactured drama, his sincere excitement was a breath of fresh air.

“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!” Bell posted online. His shout-out to Hawaii’s local crew reminds us that real recognition of hard work trumps the virtue-signaling stunts we’re so often sold.

A man of many passions

Outside of acting, Bell served his community as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole. Travelers heard his warm voice over the PA system, a small but meaningful way he blended performance with public duty.

His sister, Jalene, spoke of his varied interests, from voiceovers to traveling with his dog Brutus as a Kona Brew ambassador. “David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew,” she noted. In a world pushing narrow identity labels, Bell’s eclectic life shows you don’t have to conform to thrive.

“The film industry and entertainment were so exciting to him, and I loved that he enjoyed the arts,” Jalene continued. Her tribute highlights a man driven by passion, not by the cultural scripts Hollywood often demands. That’s a legacy worth celebrating over any trendy narrative.

A lasting impact cut short

As a SAG-AFTRA member, Bell had more projects lined up, as hinted at on his social media, signaling a bright future now sadly unfulfilled. It’s a stark reminder that talent can shine without bowing to the progressive playbook — Hollywood could use more like him.

Jalene called him a “diamond in the rough,” applauding his knack for blending English, indigenous insight, and Hawaiian pidgin in his performances. That authenticity isn’t something you can fake, no matter how many sensitivity trainings the industry mandates — Bell was one of a kind.

Though the reason for his passing remains unknown, David H.K. Bell’s absence leaves a gap in both his community and the entertainment world. His life challenges us to value substance over shallow trends, honoring a Hawaiian talent who brought pride to his roots and joy to his roles. Let’s remember him for what he stood for, not what the cultural gatekeepers might twist it into.