Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ David Hekili Kenui Bell, Actor, Dies

David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” has passed away. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his death on Facebook. No cause of death has been made public.

“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.

Role in “Lilo & Stitch”

In the 2025 adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch,” Bell played Big Hawaiian Dude, a character who nods to the recurring Ice Cream Man joke from the original animated films. In the film, his character drops a shaved ice in shock when Jumba and Pleakley open a portal to the island.

Just two weeks ago, Bell shared his audition tape and behind-the-scenes photos on social media. He also praised the local Hawaiian crew, writing: “Now, Mahalo to all who worked on this film!…Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.”

A Versatile Talent

Bell’s acting credits also include appearances in “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.” His IMDb page notes he was working on “The Wrecking Crew,” an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.

His sister also reflected on his passions: “David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew… He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max … made him a diamond in the rough.”

Remembering His Voice and Spirit

Bell’s voice lives on in Hawaii — quite literally.

“You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience,” his sister added.

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