'Mythbusters' Star Grant Imahara Dead At Age 49
By Dave Basner
July 14, 2020
Grant Imahara, who spent a decade co-hosting the hit Discovery series Mythbusters, has passed away at the age of 49. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grant died suddenly following a brain aneurysm.
Imahara was an electrical engineer and roboticist who worked for nine years in special effects at Lucasfilm's THX and Industrial Light and Magic. He made a name for himself with the animatronics he helped craft, which were used in films like the Star Wars prequels, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and many others.
He was brought on to Mythbusters during the show's third season, becoming what he called a "human guinea pig," sky-diving, driving stunt cars and overall showing off his creativity. His co-stars have weighed in on his passing with host Adam Savage tweeting, "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." Meanwhile, Kari Byron posted a photo of herself with Grant writing, "Sometimes I wish I had a time machine."
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
Somedays I wish I had a time machine. @ToryBelleci @grantimahara pic.twitter.com/o9FRE2l16W
— Kari Byron (@KariByron) July 13, 2020
In a statement, Discovery Network said, "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."
Grant later went on to co-host the Netflix series White Rabbit Project.
Photo: Getty Images