THE actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo who starred in hit shows such as NCIS has died at the age of 61.
Tuiasosopo, from Phoenix, Arizona, died on Monday after suffering heart complications, his son revealed.
During his 30-year career, he appeared in hit movies such as Street Fighter, The Fast and the Furious, BASEketball, and 12 Rounds.
His death was announced by son Manoah online.
“My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here,” he said on Facebook.
“We will continue to live with him in spirit, and as saddened as we are, he is without a doubt in Heaven with his brothers, sisters, parents, daughter, and Jesus, and no longer in pain.
“His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt.
“My family and I will discuss the decisions regarding a proper Celebration of Life and will announce the details once prepared.
“We thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers and ask for your continued support through this tough and emotional time.”
Tuiasosopo appeared in the 1994 classic Street Fighter before starring in subsequent video games.
He played a Samoan guard in the movie The Fast and the Furious, which was directed by Rob Cohen and starred the renowned actors Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
Tuiasosopo also appeared in movies such as the comedy flick Austin Powers in Goldmember and the 2002 movie The Scorpion King.
He starred in one episode of NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service in 2013, where he played the character Charles “Chucky Bang” Kang.
Tuiasosopo appeared in other TV series, including Easy Money, The Young and the Restless, The Workaholics, and New Girl.
His last role came in Magnum P.I., where he appeared in one episode of the NBC drama in 2021.
The 2018 series of Magnum P.I. was a reboot of the hit show that aired in the 1990s.
SHORT-LIVED FOOTBALL CAREER
But before Tuiasosopo turned to TV and the silver screen, he was a former football player.
He played for the St. Louis Cardinals – a football team that no longer exists.
In September 1987, he joined the Los Angeles Rams replacement team.
He was let go before Rams officials re-signed him in March 1988.
Tuiasosopo was again released before he was signed by the Los Angeles side again in July 1989.
He did not make any appearances before the NFL season kicked off.
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