Keo Woolford, ‘Hawaii Five-O’ Actor, Dies At 49

Keo Woolford, the Hawaiian actor and filmmaker who played Detective James Chang for four years on the popular Hawaii Five-O remake, died after suffering from a stroke on Friday. He was 49.

HAWAII FIVE-O ACTOR KEO WOOLFORD DEAD AT 49

In addition to his acting, Woolford was a successful filmmaker, having written and directed the praised 2013 indie film The Haumana, which looked at hula and the culture of Hawaii. He had just completed a follow-up script when he died, and was planning auditions for the roles.

“He didn’t pigeon hole me like os many other people in Hollywood did,” said actress Kelly Hu, who had acted in Woolford’s films. “He was a great talent who allowed other talents to shine. I will miss my chosen brother immensely.”

His other credits include The People I’ve Slept With (2012), Godzilla (2014) and Act of Valor (2012). Most recently he played a part in 5th Passenger, which is due out in 2017.