Keo Woolford, best known for his role as Detective James Chang in the ‘Hawaii Five-0’ reboot, has died at the age of 49.
His publicist confirmed the actor had died on Monday at a hospital in Hawaii, three days after suffering a stroke.
As well as his role in the remake of the 1970’s cult classic, Keo also played the King of Siam in the West End production of ‘The King And I’, opposite Elaine Paige between 2001 and 2002.
In 2013, he received a special jury prize at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival for best first feature for ‘The Haumana’, which he wrote, produced and directed.
He had just completed the script for a sequel and auditions were set to begin in January, his publicist Tracy Larrua confirmed.
His ‘Hawaii Five-0’ co-star Daniel Dae Kim led the tributes to the actor, tweeting: “As talented as you were, I will remember you most for your kindness. Thank you for sharing your light with us, @KeoWoolford. Rest In Peace.”
Dennis Chun, who plays Sgt. Duke Lukela, took to Facebook to share a touching message to his former co-star, writing: “It is with a broken heart and saddness that I bid Keo Woolford aloha. He was a beautiful spirit and light that blessed this aina with grace and eloquence. There are no words to convey the sense of loss so many of us feel.
“Your canoe has departed my friend. May the tides take you to a safe harbor … may the beauty of the rainbow rise to meet you and may the Halaus of heaven welcome you with leis of aloha and love. Mahalo for your friendship. I love you and will miss you in all the days to come. Until we meet again.”
