Tamayo Perry, a popular actor and accomplished surfer, tragically passed away at the age of 49 after a shark attack while surfing in Hawaii. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon and was confirmed by Honolulu emergency services during a press conference. Perry, who played a pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, was also known for his roles in Lost, Hawaii Five-0, Blue Crush, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. He even appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial.
Emergency responders were called to Malaekahana Beach around 1:00 PM local time. Despite their quick arrival, Perry, who was also a lifeguard, was declared dead by rescuers after being brought ashore on a jet ski. His death has left a profound void both within the local community and among his fans worldwide. Perry’s role in the 2011 film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides involved working alongside Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and Geoffrey Rush.
This fourth film in the series follows the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. In addition to this notable role, Perry had an impressive career with appearances in popular TV shows and films that showcased his versatility as an actor. Born in East Oahu, Perry was a professional surfer for over a decade. His deep connection to the ocean was evident through his work as a surf instructor with Oahu Surfing Experience. On the company’s website, Perry described his career, his passion for surfing, and his experiences with “the most dangerous wave in the world.”
He was proud to compete with the world’s best surfers and embodied the spirit of a “small island boy” who made a significant impact on the global surfing community. Several years before his untimely death, Perry survived a near-fatal surfing accident, which he attributed to “someone else’s negligence.” Although he did not provide details about the incident, it highlighted his resilience and determination to continue practicing the sport he loved. Kurt Lager, acting head of Honolulu’s ocean safety, highly praised Perry during the press conference, emphasizing his valuable contributions both locally and internationally.
Lager described Perry as a beloved lifeguard, highlighting his infectious personality and genuine love for people. “Tamayo’s personality was contagious, and while people loved him, he loved everyone even more,” Lager said, reflecting the deep connection Perry shared with his community. Mayor Rick Blangiardi also expressed his sorrow over Perry’s passing, calling it a “tragic loss.” Blangiardi praised Perry as a legendary waterman and a highly respected member of the ocean safety team.
