LOS ANGELES (AP) — Grant Imahara, the longtime host of Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters,” died from a brain aneurysm, the network said Tuesday.
Imahara died Monday at the age of 49.
“We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant,” the network said in a statement. “He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Along with his “MythBusters” fame, Imahara was known for starring on Netflix’s “White Rabbit Project.” He became popular in Hollywood for his talents in electronics and recently showcased his creation of a fully animatronic Baby Yoda.
Discovery said on its website that Imahara dedicated his life to using his skills to make people smile. The network said he was one of the few trained operators for the famed R2-D2 droid from the Star Wars franchise and engineered the Energizer Bunny’s popular rhythmic beat.
Former “MythBusters” co-host Adam Savage delivered a heartfelt message about Imahara on social media.
“I’m at a loss. No words,” Savage on Twitter. “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.”
Kari Byron and Tory Belleci were co-hosts with Imahara on “Mythbusters” and “White Rabbit Project.” Both said they are heartbroken and stunned by the recent death of their colleague and friend.
“Heartbroken and in shock tonight. We were just talking on the phone. This isn’t real,” said Bryon on Twitter. She posted a series of photos of Imahara and said the two just had a phone conversation.
“I just cannot believe it,” Belleci said. “I don’t even know what to say. My heart is broken. Goodbye buddy.”
Imahara also partnered with Mansfield-based Mouser Electronics, a semiconductor and electronic component distributor, on several education, innovation and engineering initiatives.
In January, Imahara and Mouser released the final Engineering Big Ideas video, the latest series in Mouser’s award-winning Empowering Innovation Together program.