Peter Navy Tuiasosopo has sadly passed away at the age of 61.
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo died at 61. Credit: Marco Garcia / Getty
The late actor was best known for his work on Street Fighter, The Fast and the Furious New Girl, and Mangum P.I.
His tragic death was announced by his son Manoah, who took to Facebook to share a heartbreaking statement that was signed by the actor’s wife, other children, and grandchildren.
"With a heavy heart, my family and I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Our father Peter N. Tuiasosopo passed away this morning at 3:16AM," the statement began.
"My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here. We will continue to live with him in spirit, and as saddened as we are, he is without a doubt in Heaven with his brothers, sisters, parents, daughter, and Jesus, and no longer in pain."
"His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt," he said, concluding the post by thanking everyone for their thoughts and asking for "continued support through this tough and emotional time".
Although a cause of death was not mentioned, the actor’s son told TMZ that Tuiasosopo had passed from heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona.
He also added that his father was a "trailblazer for Polynesian actors in Hollywood".
Born in San Pedro, California in 1963, Tuiasosopo played football in college and signed the Los Angeles Rams replacement team for its 1987 season. He officially re-signed to the team in 1988, but he did not make any NFL appearances.
The late star transitioned into acting and landed his first film role in 1991 as Manumana, a member of the fictional Texas State football team in the sports comedy Necessary Roughness.
Two years later, he made his television debut in Danger Theatre as detective Al Hamoki, starring alongside Adam West.
The actor is best known for his work on Street Fighter, The Fast and the Furious New Girl, and Mangum P.I. Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty
Tuiasosopo’s most recognizable roles include playing a Samoan Guard in The Fast and the Furious (2001), where he appeared alongside Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, as well as portraying E. Honda in the 1994 live-action film Street Fighter with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raúl Juliá.
His other film credits include playing Ed Tuttle in the 1998 film BASEketball, Willie Dumaine in 12 Rounds, as well as smaller parts in Batman & Robin, Charlie’s Angels, Austin Powers in Gold Member, and The Scorpion King.
The late actor's later roles included Yoshi Nakamura in the Disney series Kickin’ It, as well as guest roles in hit shows such as NCIS, Magnum P.I, and a recurring role in the Zooey Deschanel-fronted sitcom New Girl as “Big Bob”.
His last credit was in the 2018 crime drama Mayans M.C.
Our thoughts are with Tuiasosopo's family, friends and fans.
