Veteran actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, recognized for his roles in iconic films and television shows such as Street Fighter, Necessary Roughness, and The Fast and the Furious, has died at the age of 61. His son, Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo, announced his father’s passing on Facebook on Monday, February 10, 2025.
In his Facebook post, Manoah Tuiasosopo expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, writing, “With a heavy heart, my family and I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Our father Peter N. Tuiasosopo passed away this morning at 3:16 am.” While the initial announcement did not specify a cause of death, TMZ later reported that Peter Tuiasosopo died in Phoenix, Arizona, due to heart complications, according to his son.
Manoah Tuiasosopo further reflected on his father’s life and legacy, stating, “My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here. His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt.” The passing of Peter Tuiasosopo marks the loss of a familiar face in Hollywood, one who consistently brought depth and character to his diverse roles across film and television.
Peter Tuiasosopo’s acting career began in 1991 with a memorable film debut in Necessary Roughness. He played Manumana “the Slender,” the center for the Texas State “Fighting Armadillos” football team. This role quickly established him as a strong presence on screen.
Transitioning to television, Peter Tuiasosopo co-starred in Danger Theatre as detective Al Hamoki, alongside Adam West. He also took on the role of Yoshi Nakamura, a custodian and former sumo wrestler, in the Disney series Kickin’ It. His versatility led to guest appearances in numerous popular series, including NCIS, Mob City, Ray Donovan, black-ish, Mayans M.C., and Magnum P.I.. He also had a recurring role in New Girl as “Big Bob.”
Beyond television, Peter Tuiasosopo built an extensive filmography. His film credits include 12 Rounds with John Cena, Batman & Robin, BASEketball, Charlie’s Angels, Austin Powers in Goldmember, and The Scorpion King. These roles showcase his ability to move between genres and collaborate with major names in the industry.
The family of Peter Tuiasosopo is currently planning a Celebration of Life to honor his memory. Details regarding the event will be announced as soon as they are finalized. Peter Tuiasosopo’s contributions to film and television will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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