David Hekili Kenui Bell, Beloved Actor from 2025’s Lilo & Stitch, Dies at 36

David Hekili Kenui Bell, known to millions for his warm and funny role in the live-action Lilo & Stitch, has died, his sister confirmed Monday. He was 36.

His death, confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook tribute by sister Jalene Kanani Bell, has left fans, friends, and colleagues grieving a life cut short far too soon.

A Sister’s Grief Shared with the World

The announcement came in the most human way possible — not through a press release or publicist, but through a deeply personal social media post.

Jalene Kanani Bell, David’s sister, posted a series of nostalgic photos along with a message that felt like a letter from one soul to another. “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.

She admitted the timing caught her off guard. “Fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter honouring the men in our lives,” she explained, noting how strange and poetic it felt that David would be part of such a tribute — especially considering the role he played in her life.

He was more than a sibling to her. He was a father figure, a cheerleader, and a rock.

Not Just a Role — A Moment That Touched Millions

David Bell played a minor but instantly memorable role in Lilo & Stitch — a beachgoer who hilariously drops his shaved ice.

It was just a few seconds of screen time, but it struck a chord. Something about his expression, the timing, the setting — it just worked. That moment was shared, memed, and adored, especially among Hawaiian viewers who saw in him a piece of home.

The movie itself has been a juggernaut. Since its release last month, it’s grossed over $850 million worldwide.

And Bell? He was part of that. Jalene shared that David had proudly bought tickets for the whole family to see it together. That alone says so much.

He wasn’t in it to chase fame — he was in it to celebrate with those he loved.

A Man Who Gave Before He Took

Jalene described David as a man who always showed up — emotionally, physically, and creatively.

She said he was “always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew,” and that he was constantly coming up with fun ideas to bring the family together. That sounds small on paper, but in life, it’s everything.

He gave his time. He gave his energy. And maybe most importantly, he gave people a reason to smile.

“While I didn’t grow up with a Father,” Jalene wrote, “David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for.”

From Hawaii Five-0 to Hollywood Dreams

Bell wasn’t a Hollywood megastar. He didn’t have a mansion in the Hills or tabloids chasing him. But he was steadily building a portfolio.

He’d previously appeared in Hawaii Five-0, among other smaller projects. Those who knew him in the local entertainment circuit described him as dependable and kind — a “team player” on and off set.

Next up was supposed to be a major breakout moment.

Bell has a role in The Wrecking Crew, an upcoming action-comedy now in post-production. The film stars a handful of rising talents and was expected to be released later this year or early 2026.

Whether Bell’s scenes remain in the final cut remains to be seen. But even if he’s only in the credits, his name will be remembered.

Why His Death Hit So Hard

Let’s be honest — most people didn’t know David Bell before Lilo & Stitch hit theaters. But somehow, after seeing him, they felt like they did.

That’s rare. And that’s why the reaction to his passing has been so widespread, even though he didn’t headline the movie.

There’s something undeniably tragic about someone getting their moment in the sun — their big screen breakthrough — only for life to be pulled out from under them.

It’s gutting.

• He wasn’t famous, but he was unforgettable.

• He didn’t have the biggest part, but it was one people remembered.

• He didn’t live the longest life, but he lived it full.

A Celebration of a Life That Mattered

Hollywood loses people every year. Actors, producers, writers — some die with fanfare, some without a whisper. But David’s passing feels personal. Probably because the way it was shared was personal.

There were no publicists. No carefully worded statements. Just a sister, missing her brother, putting it into words the only way she knew how.

The kind of love Jalene described — that unconditional, unshakable bond — doesn’t fade. It stays. In the laughter they shared. In the beach days and movie nights. In the photos, and the roles, and that famous dropped shaved ice.

And in the hearts of everyone he ever made smile.

Here’s what we know about his life and legacy so far:

Final Credits and Lasting Memories

Some people are remembered by the size of their roles. Others by how many awards they won or followers they had.

David Bell? He’ll be remembered for something more rare — his humanity.

He didn’t try to be a star. He just tried to be present. Loving. Funny. Giving. And that’s a legacy worth its weight in gold.