Nephi Hannemann

Nephi Hannemann
Album cover of Nephi the Polynesian man
Album cover of Nephi the Polynesian man
Born(1945-02-06)February 6, 1945
American Samoa
DiedMarch 31, 2018(2018-03-31) (aged 73)
Los Angeles, California, US
Resting placeLaie Cemetery
Occupation(s)Actor, Singer
Years active1968–2018
RelativesMufi Hannemann, brother

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.

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

Television
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"

References

  1. ^ a b "NEPHI HANNEMANN Obituary | Honolulu Star-Advertiser". obits.staradvertiser.com. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Ryan, Tim (September 18, 2000). "Muliufi F. Hannemann:Charming, Ambitious and Driven to Succeed". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  3. ^ a b The Deseret News – Sep 15, 1973 Hawaiian singer cast in new Disney movie
  4. ^ a b c Gee, Pat (January 19, 2002). "Entertainer Hannemann: A believer in human race". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  5. ^ Cooper, George; Daws, Gavin (1990). Land and Power in Hawaii: The Democratic Years. University of Hawaii Press. p. 319. ISBN 978-0-8248-1303-1.