Street Fighter’s E. Honda Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo Passes Away at 61

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61-year-old Hollywood veteran Peter Navy Tuiasosopo tragically passed away during the early hours of Monday, February 10th. He was widely recognized for his roles as E. Honda in the 1994 film Street Fighter and Manumana “the slender,” the beloved offensive lineman, in the sports comedy Necessary Roughness. Tuiasosopo’s son, Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo, announced the heartbreaking news on social media with a moving tribute (on Facebook).

Dear loved ones, we’re writing this with deep sorrow. Our family and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. This morning at 3:16 a.m., our beloved father, Peter N. Tuiasosopo, left us. His life was truly remarkable, and his influence continues beyond us. We will carry him in our hearts and spirits, even as we grieve, knowing that he is now free from pain and reunited with his family members, his daughter, and Jesus in Heaven.

In 1991, Tuiasosopo made a memorable debut in “Necessary Roughness” as Manu, the loyal roommate and friend of the aging Texas State Armadillos quarterback Paul Blake (played by Scott Bakula). This character was larger than life, and he even developed feelings for the team’s kicker, Lucy, played by Kathy Ireland. Tuiasosopo’s son shared memories about his father in the same post, reminiscing on his life.

Peter’s power, affection, empathy, and benevolence will live on in our hearts forever. We, his family, will talk about the arrangements for a fitting memorial service. Once these details are finalized, we will share them with you. Thank you once more for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness during this difficult and emotional period. Love to you all! With love from Peter’s Wife, Children, and Grandchildren.

Peter Navy Tuiasosopo Would Have Played ‘Street Fighter’s E. Honda for Free

Peter Navy Tuiasosopo’s standout role in “Necessary Roughness” is still fondly remembered from his impressive acting career, though the football comedy doesn’t make it into MovieWeb’s top sports comedies. However, three years later, he took on the character E. Honda in the movie version of the popular video game “Street Fighter”.

Tuiasosopo once shared the screen with renowned figures such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, pop star Kylie Minogue, and Raul Julia from “The Addams Family,” in the movie “Street Fighter.” Remarkably, he was so passionate about the video game that he would have taken on the role of E. Honda without getting paid! This tidbit came to light during a chat on the “Heroes at Large” podcast in 2018.

Initially, I was an avid fan, above all else. We all were, growing up with it. So, being a passionate fan of the game came first, and then I got the opportunity to portray E. Honda. Honestly, words can’t express how delighted I was. I would have played that role for free; I was so thrilled to get the part.

Apart from Street Fighter and Necessary Roughness, Tuiasosopo also starred in various popular films and shows such as Batman & Robin, BASEketball, The Fast and the Furious, Austin Powers in Goldmember, NCIS, New Girl, and more. However, he is best known for his extensive work on two TV series: The Young and the Restless and Hawaii.

Whenever I think of Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, it reminds me of the adorable scene from Necessary Roughness where Manu faints after Lucy (Ireland) kisses him, and nothing could surpass his E. Honda character fighting Zangief (Andrew Bryniarski) in Street Fighter as it was in 1994. Rest In Peace, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.

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Peter Navy Tuiasosopo brings to mind the endearing scene of Manu fainting upon being kissed by Lucy (Ireland) in Necessary Roughness. Moreover, his E. Honda character fighting Zangief (Andrew Bryniarski) in Street Fighter has never been better than it was back in 1994, regardless of any future reboots. Rest In Peace, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.

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2025-02-12 03:32