Tamayo Perry, a popular actor and accomplished surfer, has tragically passed away at the age of 49 after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii. The incident happened Sunday afternoon and was confirmed by Honolulu emergency services at a press conference. Perry, who played a privateer 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 Power.” He even appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial. Emergency services were called to Malaekahana Beach around 1 p.m. local time. Despite their quick arrival, Perry, who was also a lifeguard, was pronounced dead by rescuers after being brought ashore on a jet ski. His death has left a deep void in both the local community and his fans around the world. Perry’s role in the 2011 film “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” included a collaboration with 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 has had an impressive career with appearances in popular television series and films that showcase 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 the Oahu Surfing Experience. On the company’s website, Perry described his career and passion for surfing and described his experiences with “the world’s most dangerous wave.”
He prided himself on being able to compete with the world’s best surfers and embodied the spirit of a “little island boy” who had a significant impact on the global surfing community. Several years before his untimely death, Perry survived a near-fatal surfing accident that he attributed to “the negligence of another person.” While he did not provide any details about the incident, it highlighted his resilience and determination to pursue the sport he loved. Kurt Lager, acting chief of Honolulu Marine Rescue, praised Perry highly at the press conference, noting his valuable role both locally and internationally.
Lager described Perry as a lifeguard beloved by all, noting his infectious personality and genuine love for people. “Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone even more,” Lager said, reflecting the deep connection Perry shared with his community. Mayor Rick Blangiardi also expressed sadness over Perry’s passing, calling it a “tragic loss.” Blangiardi praised Perry as a legendary sailor and a highly respected member of the Ocean Safety Team.