Original Hawaii Five-O star Al Harrington has sadly passed away.
Harrington, who played "Ben Kokua" on the popular police series in the 1970s, died in Honolulu on Sept. 21. His family told Hawaii's Star Advertiser that he died "Tuesday afternoon after suffering a stroke last week." He was 85.
Hawaii Five-O actor Al Harrington dies at age 85
On the original Hawaii Five-O, Harrington was a main cast member from seasons 5 to 7, during which he appeared as the Hawaiian detective "Ben Kokua" in over 60 episodes.
He later returned for the revival of Hawaii Five-0 that concluded in 2020. In a nice tribute, he played the shop owner "Mamo Kahike" in 10 episodes of the new series.
He was born Tausau Ta'a in American Samoa in 1935 and later changed his surname to Harrington in honour of his stepfather, reported the Star Advertiser.
On top of his work with Hawaii Five-O, Harrington had a recurring role on The Jeffersons in 1980, and he appeared on other popular shows like Magnum, P.I. and Scrubs.
He also had a small part as a news anchor in Forrest Gump. In addition to acting, Harrington was also a teacher, businessman, showroom entertainer, and recording artist.
He's survived by his wife Rosa, four children, and several grandchildren. He will be missed.
