Gilbert Lani Kauhi
| Gilbert "Zulu" Kauhi | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi October 17, 1937 Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died |
May 3, 2004 (aged 66) Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Other names | Zulu/Zoulou |
| Occupation | Actor, musician, comedian |
| Years active | 1968–1997 |
Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi (October 17, 1937 – May 3, 2004), also known by the stage names Zulu[1] and Zoulou, was an American actor and comedian. He is remembered largely for his portrayal of "Kono Kalakaua" on the long-running television program Hawaii Five-O.
Career
Kauhi was born in Hilo on the "Big Island" of Hawaii. He began his career in Honolulu as a stand-up comedian, mimic, and singer, described by one journalist as "part Godfrey Cambridge, part Zero Mostel".[2] His nightly live show was a popular attraction at C'est Si Bon Supper Club in the Waikiki section of Honolulu before, during, and well after his brief television career. Kauhi was an accomplished surfer; he was known in Hawaii by the honorific "Waikiki Beach Boy."
In 1968, Zulu landed the role of the burly state police detective "Kono" on Hawaii Five-O. He left after four seasons, frustrated by the "dumb Hawaiian" image that his character projected, as well as off-camera conflicts with the show's star, Jack Lord. "[Lord] ... wouldn't let him do anything," said a co-worker.[2]
"My friends think I'm a trained-animal act," he said, in a 1971 interview. " 'Yes, boss; no, boss.' Well, some day this animal will be laughing all the way to the bank."[2] Zulu would go on to eight more television roles including a reprise role of "Kono" in the 1997 pilot for the revival series, Hawaii Five-0. He later hosted a Honolulu show called "Big Z Movie Time".
Death
Kauhi died in Hilo at the age of 66 from complications due to diabetes. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered off Waikiki.[3]
Filmography
- I Sailed to Tahiti with an All Girl Crew (1968)
- Hawaii Five-O (1968–1972) (95 episodes)
- The Brian Keith Show (1972–1973) (3 episodes)
- Code Name: Diamond Head (1977)
- The Paradise Connection (1979)
- Charlie's Angels (1981) (uncredited)
- Magnum, P.I. (1982)
- Hawaii Five-O (1997 pilot for revival series)
References
- ↑ Mike Gordon (6 May 2004). "Zulu, of Hawaii Five-0, is dead at 66". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- 1 2 3 Whitney, Dwight (September 4, 1971): Jack Lord, Superstar. TV Guide archive Retrieved April 29, 2011.
- ↑ "Zulu's ashes scattered after Waikiki beachboy funeral". KPUA am 670. 6 June 2004. Retrieved 25 May 2010.