2016 has been a tragic year for showbiz when it comes to stars passing away, and the acting world has now lost another quality performer. Keo Woolford of Hawaii Five-0 fame passed away on Monday due to complications from a stroke. He was 49 years old at the time of his death.
Keo Woolford suffered a stroke on November 25 in his native Hawaii. He died three days later on November 28 in an Oahu hospital. No details have yet been released about funeral or memoral service arrangements.
The actor was best known in showbiz for his role on CBS' Hawaii Five-0. Keo Woolford played Honolulu Police Department Detective (and later Sergeant) James Chang. He first appeared on Hawaii Five-0 in the Season 2 premiere back in 2011, and he would return for five more appearances over the years. James Chang last turned up on Five-0 in an early Season 6 episode in the fall of 2015.
The team at Hawaii Five-0 has already taken to social media to express their condolences and share good memories of their time with Keo Woolford, according to Variety. Star Daniel Dae Kim and actress Kelly Hu both posted tweets memorializing Woolford for his kindness and love as well as his talent as a performer. His death seems to have come as a shock to many around him.
Keo Woolford is undoubtedly best known for his role as James Chang on Hawaii Five-0, but he has extensive credits with other projects as well. He appeared in Godzilla, Falling for Grace, Happy, Texas, and the short Just. He also wrote, directed, produced, and appeared in his own independent drama, called The Haumana. The 2013 film followed the struggles of a young man who becomes the teacher of a high school boys' hula class, where he ultimately learns as much as he teaches about the importance of Polynesian culture. The Haumana received award recognition from a number of festivals, including the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Hawaii International Film Festival, and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.
In addition to his contributions to television and film, Keo Woolford also worked as a musician and stage actor. He was a member of a Hawaiian boyband, wrote and starred in his own one-man show, and won the role of the King of Siam in a London Palladium production of The King and I. Woolford even wrote a song for the Haumana soundtrack. He was a man of many talents, and he'll be missed.
Check out Hawaii Five-0 on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS to catch the latest from the show that introduced audiences everywhere to Keo Woolford as a small screen actor. The show is also available on Netflix for any who want to check out some of Woolford's work as HPD Detective James Chang.
