David Bell Lilo and Stitch Actor Dies at 57

David Bell Lilo and Stitch Actor Dies at 57, leaving the Hawaiian entertainment industry in shock. Bell was a well-known local actor and voiceover artist who recently appeared in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. He played the comedic role of the “Big Hawaiian Dude.” Bell passed away just two weeks after watching the movie premiere with his family.

His sister Jalene Kanani Bell, broke the news in an emotional social media post. She shared the tribute on June 15, 2025 — also Father’s Day in the United States.

“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,” Jalene wrote.
(Source: Facebook.com)

A Touching Goodbye: Family Remembers His Joy and Legacy

In her lengthy post, Jalene remembered the deep happiness David had brought to his family and community. She confessed she had been finding it difficult to put his life into perspective until Father’s Day email newsletter — one in which he had helped contribute — made her remember how much he had influenced the people who surrounded him.

“Been waiting for the words and the attitude to rightly express the happiness of a human being, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning,” she continued.

Bell passed away only 14 days after he forced his family to watch the film that was a milestone for him in his career as a filmmaker. Lilo & Stitch was not just a piece of work for him — it was a celebration of home.

A Scene-Stealing Moment in Lilo & Stitch

Though in a secondary role, Bell’s performance as the “Big Hawaiian Dude” was a favorite among fans. In a brief but recurring moment, his character accidentally spills a shave ice cup as an alien portal conveniently opens up — a scene that shows the offbeat humor and warmth the film is renowned for.

The movie, opening on May 23, 2025, is a live-action retelling of Disney’s beloved 2002 animated film. Set in Hawaii, the film explores the universal concepts of family, tragedy, and belonging — all under a bright tropical sun. The first film was commended for its authentic Hawaiian backdrop and cultural customs, and Disney made a concerted effort to maintain that integrity by hiring local actors and crew members for the remake.

Bell freely acknowledged this in his final Instagram post:

“Mahalo to the whole crew who worked on this film! I knew it would be awesome to get to experience a Cast and CREW screening and it didn’t disappoint. It was so great to see so many of the real stars in my book — our Hawaiian locals crew.”
(Source: @DavidBellOfficial on Instagram)

Beyond the Screen: Bell’s Life in Hawaii

David Bell was born and raised in Hawaii. He was raised in Waimea on the Big Island and was a Kalani High School graduate before his death. In addition to acting, he also worked in public service. Bell was Assistant Airport Superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. His voice still greets passengers over the airport’s PA system — a legacy.

“Voice you hear welcoming you at Kona Airport? That’s David,” Jalene recalled. “He brought sunshine to whatever he did.“

He was also a television extra, acting part-time on Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., the two iconic island-centered TV shows. While he was on camera only rarely, his appearances always carried a sense of reality — a real island charm on the screen.

Cause of Death Not Yet Revealed

As of writing, Bell’s family had not released any official information on the cause of death. The death was sudden and unexpected, which added to the shock felt by his close friends and the growing number of fans.

In Hawaii’s tight-knit creative community, Bell’s passing leaves a gap not just in talent but in heart. He was remembered as someone who uplifted others, supported local voices, and took immense pride in his heritage.

A Broader Message: The Importance of Representation

Bell’s visitation was brief, but it said a great deal of a growing movement in Hollywood. The studios increasingly turn to placing more focus on authentic representation, especially in culturally wealthy stories like Lilo & Stitch. His casting brought an authentic voice to the people of Hawaii in a movie that has long celebrated the essence of ‘ohana — family, where none are left behind.

“David’s work brought everybody back to remembering that Hawaii is not only a place it’s a vibrant, living society with history and character to share,” said a former co-worker who worked with him on location.

Cultural Impact of Lilo & Stitch

Since its original debut in 2002, Lilo & Stitch has remained one of the most beloved Disney films. It was unique in its focus on an unconventional family in a real-world setting outside of fairy-tale domains. The remake continued this trend, and Bell’s contribution gave it even more depth.

• Learn more about the franchise’s cultural history at Collider’s article on Lilo & Stitch.
• For full film credits and production details, visit Disney’s official page.

Final Farewell

David Bell may be gone from this world, but the love he had for those around him will never die. From his work in Hawaiian aviation to his work on the screen, his life was one of love, laughter, and aloha.

“Aloha ‘oe, David. Until we meet again.”
(Traditional Hawaiian farewell — “Love to you, until we meet again.”)

Related Links

• Disney’s Official Lilo & Stitch Page
• Collider: Cultural History of Lilo & Stitch
• David Bell’s Instagram (archived)
• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport

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