Experienced actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, recognized for his performances in “Street Fighter” and a variety of TV series, passed away due to heart complications on Monday morning, February 10, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 61 years old.
His passing was publicly confirmed by his son, Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo, on social media. His son wrote, “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.”
Tuiasosopo, born on May 24, 1963, in San Pedro, California, was a multi-sport athlete during his youth. He attended Phineas Banning High School in Wilmington, California, where he was a standout on the football field and also competed in track and field.
His athletic abilities earned him a football scholarship to Utah State University. Post-college, Tuiasosopo attempted a professional football career, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 1987 NFL Draft, but he did not make the team.
He briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams during a player strike, starting three games at center, but did not play in any official NFL games after the strike concluded. This short professional football career would later inspire his acting roles, particularly those related to sports.
In 1991, Tuiasosopo transitioned to acting. His first role was in the sports comedy “Necessary Roughness”, where he played Manumana, “the Thin Man”, utilizing his football background. His defining role came in 1994 when he was cast as E. Honda in the film “Street Fighter”, which remains one of his most notable performances.
Over his 30-year career, Tuiasosopo amassed an impressive television resume, appearing in several popular series such as “NCIS”, “Ray Donovan”, “black-ish”, and “New Girl”. Most recently, he took on a role in the 2021 revival of “Magnum P.I.” His film roles spanned various genres and included major productions like “The Fast and the Furious”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “The Scorpion King”, “Batman & Robin”, “BASEketball”, and “Austin Powers in Goldmember”.
Tuiasosopo’s television career highlighted his versatility as a character actor, beginning with “Danger Theatre” in 1993. He left a lasting impression with his guest appearances on shows such as “The Jamie Foxx Show”, “Jenny”, “Silk Stalkings”, and “Hawaii.” His performance in the crime drama “Mob City” showcased his ability to take on more serious, dramatic roles.
Beyond his achievements in film and television, Tuiasosopo’s legacy is tied to his family’s deep roots in professional football, with several family members, including his uncle, cousins, and second cousin, having NFL careers. In Hollywood, he was recognized as a pioneer for Polynesian actors, contributing significantly to the increased representation of this community in the entertainment industry.
The family is in the process of planning a Celebration of Life event, with details to be provided at a later date. They have requested ongoing support and prayers in this difficult time.
