Peter ‘Navy’ Tuiasosopo, ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘New Girl’ Actor, Dies at 61 (original) (raw)

Peter “Navy” Tuiasosopo, an actor who appeared in “Necessary Roughness,” “12 Rounds,” “Street Fighter” and “New Girl,” died Monday in Phoenix at the age of 61.

His son Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo confirmed the death on Facebook.

“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 3:16am. My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here. 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,” Manoah wrote.

Manoah told TMZ Tuiasosopo’s death was due to heart complications.

Tuiasosopo acted in a variety of film and television roles, including the 1991 football film “Necessary Roughness,” as Manumana. He played E. Honda in 1994’s “Street Fighter,” a video game adaptation. He appeared in an episode of “The Jamie Foxx Show,” played a guard in “The Fast and the Furious” and played Kaleo in eight episodes of “Hawaii.”

He went on to act as Willie Dumaine in the 2009 film “12 Rounds,” starring John Cena. Tuiasosopo was in several episodes of the shows “Easy Money” and “The Young and the Restless,” as well as “New Girl” as the characters Steve and Big Bob. He additionally acted in an episode each of “NCIS” “Black-ish” and “Magnum P.I.”

Born in San Pedro, Calif., he started out as a football player before turning to acting.

“His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt. My family and I will discuss the decisions regarding a proper Celebration of Life and will announce the details once prepared. We thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers and ask for your continued support through this tough and emotional time,” Manoah added in the Facebook post, signing off the post as “Peter’s Wife, Kids, & Grandkids.”

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