Nephi Hannemann (February 6, 1945 – March 31, 2018) was an actor and singer of Samoan, German and English descent who appeared numerous times on Hawaii Five-O and One West Waikiki.
Nephi Hannemann | |
|---|---|
 Album cover of Nephi the Polynesian man | |
| Born | February 6, 1945 |
| Died | March 31, 2018 (aged 73) Los Angeles, California, US |
| Resting place | Laie Cemetery |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Singer |
| Years active | 1968–2018 |
| Relatives | Mufi Hannemann, brother |
Biography
Nephi Hannemann was born in American Samoa to Gustav Hannemann and Faiaso Soliai Hannemann.[1] His brother is Mufi Hannemann, the 12th Mayor of City and County of Honolulu.[2]
Hannemann was one of seven children, four boys and three girls. His mother was the daughter of notable Samoan chiefs, with a type of royal heritage.[2] He had German heritage on the side of his father, Gustav.[2]
Hannemann was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[3]
He graduated from Farrington High School in 1962, and was a football player at Ricks College in Idaho and at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.[4]
Hannemann died on March 31, 2018, in Los Angeles.[1]
Entertainer
Besides acting, Hannemann was an accomplished singer and recording artist. He would provide entertainment at Democratic Party rallies, such as those attended by Governor George Ariyoshi and Hawaii State Senator Francis A. Wong.[5]
At one time, he was said to have rivalled singer Don Ho in versatility.[3]
Hannemann was working on a second album with Lani Kai but unfortunately, Lani died before its completion.[4] He has an appearance on the LP album Invitation to Paradise ~ Polynesian Cultural Center, released by BMC in 1979.
He had a recurring role as Nephi in One West Waikiki, and has had various roles in films.
Other
As well as writing scripts and screen plays for a number of years, Hannemann helped establish a business and travel magazine in 1983 called the Maui Quarterly. For seven years, he served as its main writer and advertising director. As of 2002, he was the spokesman for Hawaiian and Polynesian-made healthcare products.[4]
Discography
- Nephi, the Polynesian man. Honolulu, HI: El Leon Records. 1972. OCLC 663112487. ASIN B004A6GY0A.
- Mufi Hannemann, Nephi Hannemann, Iva Kinimaka, Royal Hawaiian Band (2006). Christmas Time Again, Aloha. Christmas with the Royal Hawaiian Band and friends (CD). Honolulu, HI: Royal Hawaiian Band. OCLC 257853213. ASIN B000YDMOPW.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Hawaii Five-O | Gus | Episode: "The Box" |
| 1970 | Hawaii Five-O | John Mala | Episode: "Run Johnny, Run" |
| 1971 | Hawaii Five-O | Paul | Episode: "...And I Want Some Candy and a Gun That Shoots" |
| 1971 | Hawaii Five-O | Aku | Episode: "Is This Any Way to Run a Paradise?" |
| 1973 | Hawaii Five-O | Yoko | Episode: "The Odd Lot Caper" |
| 1973 | Hawaii Five-O | Tamaki | Episode: "Charter for Death" |
| 1974 | McCloud | Lt. Kelani | Episode: "A Cowboy in Paradise" |
| 1974 | The Castaway Cowboy | Malakoma | |
| 1974 | Hawaii Five-O | Puni | Episode: "Steal Now, Pay Later" |
| 1975 | Hawaii Five-O | Raphael Orduno | Episode: "How to Steal a Submarine" |
| 1977 | Hawaii Five-O | Mahina | Episode: "The Descent of the Torches" |
| 1978 | Hawaii Five-O | Surfer | Episode: "Angel in Blue" |
| 1979 | Hawaii Five-O | Pimp | Episode: "The Execution File" |
| 1979 | The Paradise Connection | Manu | |
| 1994 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode: "Till Death Do Us Part" |
| 1994 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode 1.3 |
| 1994 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode: "Scales of Justice" |
| 1995 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode: "Past Due" |
| 1996 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode: "Guilty" |
| 1996 | One West Waikiki | Nephi Hanaman | Episode: "Battle of the Titans" |