Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, renowned for his roles in iconic films such as Street Fighter and The Fast and The Furious, has passed away at the age of 61. The heartbreaking news was shared by his son, Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo, on Facebook, where he expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from friends and fans during this difficult time.
In his emotional post, Manoah wrote, "With a heavy heart, my family and I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers," accompanied by cherished images of his father with family and friends over the years. He revealed that Peter passed away early in the morning at 3:16 AM, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with those who knew him.
Manoah reflected on his father’s remarkable life, stating, "My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here." He emphasized the family’s commitment to honoring Peter’s memory by living "in spirit" with him. "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," he continued, highlighting the strength, love, compassion, and kindness that Peter embodied.
While the cause of death was not disclosed in the initial post, Manoah later shared with TMZ that his father succumbed to heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona. Peter was celebrated as a "trailblazer for Polynesian actors in Hollywood," paving the way for future generations in an industry that has often overlooked diverse talent.
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 1991 with his first film role in The Slender. He quickly made a name for himself, landing his first television series role in Danger Theatre in 1993. Over the years, he built an impressive resume, appearing in numerous television shows, including eight episodes of Hawaii, seven episodes of The Young and the Restless, and guest roles in popular series such as NCIS, Mob City, Ray Donovan, black-ish, Mayans M.C., Magnum P.I., and New Girl.
In addition to his television success, Peter also made significant contributions to film. He starred as Willie Dumain in 12 Rounds alongside John Cena and appeared in notable movies such as Batman & Robin, Charlie’s Angels, Austin Powers in Goldmember, The Scorpion King, and BASEketball. His versatility and charisma on screen endeared him to audiences and solidified his status as a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Peter is survived by his wife, Cheryl D. Leonard, as well as his children and grandchildren. While there are currently no announced plans for a funeral or celebration of life, Manoah indicated that details would be shared when they are finalized. The family has expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time, asking for continued prayers as they navigate their loss.
As fans and colleagues remember Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, his contributions to the film and television industry will not be forgotten. His legacy as a pioneer for Polynesian actors and his impact on those who knew him will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.
