Gilbert Lani Kauhi
| Gilbert "Zulu" Kauhi | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi October 17, 1937 Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii, Territory of Hawaii |
| 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 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.
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". 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.
"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." 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".
Zulu worked on American Hawaii Cruise ships for a while as part of the Cruise Staff.
Kauhi discovered after ending his business relationship with his manager that she had registered the name "Zulu" and he could not perform as Zulu without her permission. For the rest of his career he performed as Zoulou.
Kauhi died in Hilo at the age of 66 from complications due to diabetes. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered off Waikiki.
Uncredited
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