MythBusters host Grant Imahara dies at age 49
Imahara died following a brain aneurysm, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- Best New Journalist 2019 Australian IT Journalism Awards
Grant Imahara.
Grant Imahara, known for his co-hosting role on MythBusters, has died at the age of 49.
Imahara, who trained as an electrical engineer and roboticist, died following a brain aneurysm, according to The Hollywood Reporter Monday.
"We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant. He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family," a representative for Discovery said in a statement on Monday.
Imahara joined Discovery's MythBusters in its third season, often building robots and specializing in myths that involved computers and electronics. In 2014, Imahara left the show along with fellow Build Team members Kari Byron and Tory Belleci.
In 2016, the trio reunited for Netflix's White Rabbit Project, a show that investigated topics such as "jailbreaks, superpower technology, heists, and crazy World War II weapons," before it was canceled after one season.
"I just cannot believe it. I don't even know what to say. My heart is broken. Goodbye buddy," Belleci tweeted Monday.
I just cannot believe it. I don’t even know what to say. My heart is broken. Goodbye buddy @grantimahara pic.twitter.com/HkLYaBK1dw
— Tory Belleci (@ToryBelleci) July 14, 2020
"Somedays I wish I had a time machine," Byron tweeted Monday.
Somedays I wish I had a time machine. @ToryBelleci @grantimahara pic.twitter.com/o9FRE2l16W
— Kari Byron (@KariByron) July 13, 2020
"I'm at a loss. No words. I've been part of two big families with Grant Imahara over the last 22 years. Grant was a truly brilliant engineer, artist and performer, but also just such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON. Working with Grant was so much fun. I'll miss my friend," Adam Savage, former co-host of MythBusters along with Jamie Hyneman, tweeted Monday.
I’m at a loss. No words. I’ve been part of two big families with Grant Imahara over the last 22 years. Grant was a truly brilliant engineer, artist and performer, but also just such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON. Working with Grant was so much fun. I’ll miss my friend.
— Adam Savage (@donttrythis) July 14, 2020
After graduating from the University of Southern California with an electrical engineering degree, Imahara joined Lucasfilm as an engineer. He later worked in the studio's lauded visual effects division, Industrial Light and Magic.
Over nine years, Imaraha was involved in a host of blockbusters, from the Star Wars prequel trilogy, to Jurassic Park movies and The Matrix movies.
Update, 11:40 p.m. PT: Adds Tory Belleci tweet.