Actor David Heckley Kenway Bell passed away at the age of 46 after filming the remake of «Lilo and Stitch» by Disney in 2025
17 june 2025 в 21:28
Actor David Heckley Kenway Bell passed away at the age of 46 after starring in the live-action remake of Disney’s 2025 film «Lilo and Stitch». The news of his death became known in June 2025, shortly after the release of the film, and his loved ones were shocked to learn of his passing. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. David’s sister, Jalen Kanani Bell, announced the news on Facebook, and his family confirmed it to TMZ.
«With a heavy heart, I share that my dear, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and beautiful younger brother, David H. K. Bell, will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father», - she wrote. «I met my younger brother at the age of 18, on the day of my high school graduation, it was the most amazing surprise I had asked for for many years, which our moms made happen for us, and this gift lasted a lifetime. Although I did not grow up with a father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could ask for, and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him».
Below, Hollywood Life remembers David with a list of five facts about him and his career.
As seen on his Facebook page, David was a passionate football fan. Several posts on social media showed his passion for Super Bowl games and his favorite teams.
According to David’s Facebook page, he worked as a deputy airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole until his death. He combined his acting career with his work at the airport.
David’s sister added in her Facebook post that while working at Kona Airport, customers could hear him on the loudspeaker system «where he loved to work to create an amazing and safe experience for customers».
David got his big break in the «Lilo and Stitch» remake, playing the «Big Hawaiian Guy» in the film. The late SAG-AFTRA actor had previously appeared in several screen roles, but his appearance in Disney was a breakthrough for him.
Before being cast in «Lilo and Stitch», - David appeared in the series «Hawaii Five-0» and «Magnum P.I».
According to his sister Jalen, David bought his family tickets to the «best seats in the house so we could all go together to the opening [of Lilo and Stitch] in Kapolei» just two weeks before his death.
«We talked and were so inspired by fans dressed head to toe in Lilo and Stitch gear, shirts, jumpsuits, hats, masks, and more flying off the shelves as we stood in line for popcorn», - Jalen wrote. «I said we should go for ice cream after the movie and recreate the scene, but then realized the shop was already closed. To celebrate him and try to ease our grief, we went for ice cream, and my grandson’s emotions were on point»
«With a heavy heart, I share that my dear, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and beautiful younger brother, David H. K. Bell, will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father», - she wrote. «I met my younger brother at the age of 18, on the day of my high school graduation, it was the most amazing surprise I had asked for for many years, which our moms made happen for us, and this gift lasted a lifetime. Although I did not grow up with a father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could ask for, and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him».
Below, Hollywood Life remembers David with a list of five facts about him and his career.
As seen on his Facebook page, David was a passionate football fan. Several posts on social media showed his passion for Super Bowl games and his favorite teams.
According to David’s Facebook page, he worked as a deputy airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole until his death. He combined his acting career with his work at the airport.
David’s sister added in her Facebook post that while working at Kona Airport, customers could hear him on the loudspeaker system «where he loved to work to create an amazing and safe experience for customers».
David got his big break in the «Lilo and Stitch» remake, playing the «Big Hawaiian Guy» in the film. The late SAG-AFTRA actor had previously appeared in several screen roles, but his appearance in Disney was a breakthrough for him.
Before being cast in «Lilo and Stitch», - David appeared in the series «Hawaii Five-0» and «Magnum P.I».
According to his sister Jalen, David bought his family tickets to the «best seats in the house so we could all go together to the opening [of Lilo and Stitch] in Kapolei» just two weeks before his death.
«We talked and were so inspired by fans dressed head to toe in Lilo and Stitch gear, shirts, jumpsuits, hats, masks, and more flying off the shelves as we stood in line for popcorn», - Jalen wrote. «I said we should go for ice cream after the movie and recreate the scene, but then realized the shop was already closed. To celebrate him and try to ease our grief, we went for ice cream, and my grandson’s emotions were on point»
© Artemenko Olga
