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David Hekili Kenui Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ actor, dies at 46
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David Hekili Kenui Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ actor, dies at 46

Bell was remembered as a "prince of a man" and "gentle giant" who was excited about his big screen debut in the "Lilo & Stich" live-action film.
David Hekili Kenui Bell in "Lilo and Stitch."
David Hekili Kenui Bell in "Lilo and Stitch."Walt Disney Co. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” live adaption that released last month, has died, according to his family and a representative.

He was 46.

His sister, Jolene Kanani Bell, announced his passing on Facebook on Sunday.

“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,” she wrote.

"I’ve been waiting for the words and mindset to properly express the joy of a human, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives," she continued.

No cause of death was disclosed.

“While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him,” she wrote.

She remembered her brother as loving and engaged with his nieces and grandnephew.

She also described his deep love for acting and doing voice-overs, and mentioned how excited he was over his big break in "Lilo & Stitch," playing the character billed as "Big Hawaiian Dude."

“He recently made it on to the big screen with an iconic Lilo & Stitch moment,” his sister wrote. “He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago."

She said they felt "energized" by seeing the fans show up dressed in "Lilo & Stitch" merch, hats and masks and they celebrated by eating shaved ice after the movie.

She concluded her post by reflecting on their last time together.

“Hug your loved ones today…our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy."

"Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive,” she wrote.

The actor’s management agency, Bliss Models and Talent, said in a statement to NBC News that Bell was "an extraordinary talent."

"David brought light, kindness, and a beautiful spirit to all who had the privilege of knowing him," agency owner Lashauna Downie wrote. "He will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives he touched."

"We extend our deepest sympathies to his ʻohana during this incredibly difficult time and are honoring their privacy as they grieve," Downie said. "Rest in love, dear David. Your legacy and aloha spirit will live on in the hearts of all of us."

"A hui hou — until we meet again," Downie concluded.

Bell also acted on TV, appearing in in “Hawaii Five-0” in 2014 and “Magnum P.I.” in 2018 and 2019, according to his IMDb profile.