Peter, born in San Pedro, California, has been married to Cheryl for nearly four decades.
Additional Information
- Peter Navy Tuiasosopo passed away on February 10, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, due to heart complications.
- He was married to Cheryl D. Leonard, and they had six children: sons Lakei and Manoah and daughters Tessa, Rio, Piper, and Nisili.
- Tuiasosopo’s contributions to film and television, along with his dedication to his family, have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and his work.
Peter “Navy” Tuiasosopo, a Samoan-American actor renowned for his roles in “Street Fighter” and “Necessary Roughness,” passed away on February 10, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, due to heart complications. He was 61 years old.
‘Street Fighter’ and ‘NCIS’ star Peter Navy Tuiasosopo dead at 61 https://t.co/WsR6IAd8lF pic.twitter.com/M3njVnDYLA
— New York Post (@nypost) February 11, 2025
Peter Tuiasosopo Is Survived By His Wife, Children, And Grandchildren
Born on May 24, 1963, in San Pedro, California, to parents Manavaalofa Petelo and Silaulala “Sheila” Lealoa Alofaituli of Samoan descent, Tuiasosopo was one of seven children.
He was married to Cheryl D. Leonard, and together they had six children: sons Lakei and Manoah and daughters Tessa, Rio, Piper, and Nisili. The couple also had multiple grandchildren.
Peter and Cheryl celebrated their 35th anniversary on July 14, 2020. Peter wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post,
I want to wish my lovely a very happy 35th anniversary! It’s you and me to the end amen. I love you more today than yesterday! (1 Cor. 13:4-8)
Instagram
His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers they’ve received.
They emphasized that Tuiasosopo lived an “amazing life” and that his “strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt.”
His son, Manoah, wrote on Facebook,
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. His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt.
Facebook
Tuiasosopo’s Acting Career Spanned Several Decades
Tuiasosopo’s acting career began in 1991 with his role as Laikai “The Slender” Manumana in “Necessary Roughness.”
He gained further recognition portraying E. Honda in the 1994 film adaptation of “Street Fighter.”
Throughout his career, he appeared in various television series, including “NCIS,” “Ray Donovan,” “Black-ish,” and “Magnum P.I.”
His film credits also include “The Fast and the Furious,” “BASEketball,” and “12 Rounds.”
Necessary Roughness
— Raymond Gatter (@RaymondGatter1) September 2, 2023
Scott Bakula, Sinbad, Kathy Ireland, and the amazing Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo. pic.twitter.com/h4sp49HrSa
Before his acting career, Tuiasosopo had a brief stint in professional football.
He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) and later played three games with the Los Angeles Rams during the 1987 NFL season.
The Tuiasosopo Family Has Requested Privacy During This Time Of Mourning
The Tuiasosopo family is planning a celebration of his life, with details to be shared at a later time. They have requested privacy during this period of mourning.
Peter “Navy” Tuiasosopo’s contributions to film and television, as well as his dedication to his family, have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and his work.
Additional Information
- Before his professional football career, Tuiasosopo played college football at Utah State University, where he was known for his impressive size and strength.
- Tuiasosopo had a small but memorable role as one of the guards in the 1997 film “Batman & Robin,” starring George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- He appeared in the Disney Channel series “Kickin’ It” as the character Yoshi Nakamura, showcasing his versatility as an actor in both film and television.
