“MythBusters” host Grant Imahara died at age 49 of a brain aneurysm on Monday. Imahara was a talented electrical engineer and was famous for his work in robotics and love of nerd culture. He was also a well known figure in pop culture and one of the few recognizable Asian men in media.
Imahara was one of the members of the build team on the popular Discovery Channel show “MythBusters.” He was often responsible for building complex and creative rigs to conduct experiments and test some of culture’s most popular myths. He and the other members of the “build team” were known for their infectious enthusiasm for science and zany personalities.
“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,” Discovery said in a statement.
Dozens of Imahara’s friends and colleagues posted on social media their thoughts and memories of the late engineer, including his former co-hosts.
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
Heartbroken and in shock tonight. We were just talking on the phone. This isn’t real. pic.twitter.com/8zE2afcwSu
— Kari Byron (@KariByron) July 14, 2020
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
Imahara also worked on several Hollywood films like The Matrix and the Star Wars franchises as a member of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), and was most recently known as a host on Netflix’s tech-focused “White Rabbit Project.”
