Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo dies at 61
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, an actor known for roles in films like “Necessary Roughness” and “Street Fighter,” has died. He was 61 years old.
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, an actor known for roles in films like “Necessary Roughness” and “Street Fighter,” has died. He was 61 years old.
Tuiasosopo died Monday, son Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo wrote on Facebook.
“My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here,” he wrote. “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.”
later Monday that his father died in Phoenix from heart complications and described him as “a trailblazer for Polynesian actors in Hollywood.”
Tuiasosopo made his acting debut in 1991 with the college football comedy “Necessary Roughness.” He went on to also appear in movies like “Street Fighter,” based on the popular video game, “BASEketball” and “The Fast and The Furious.” On the small screen, he appeared in shows like “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “NCIS” and “Workaholics.” He also appeared in four episodes of “New Girl.” He most recently appeared in a 2021 episode of the “Magnum P.I.” reboot.
Tuiasosopo’s personal life featured some Hollywood twist-and-turns, as well. Naya Tuiasosopo, his relative, orchestrated an elaborate hoax that duped Notre Dame football star Manti Te’o into believing an online girlfriend that actually never existed had died. The ensuing fallout became one of the biggest sports media scandals of the 2010s.
At the time, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo acted as the family’s spokesperson and cryptically implied Te’o was not a victim of a catfishing scam.