'MythBusters' host Grant Imahara dies at 49, heartbroken fans mourn the loss of a 'true mentor and inspiration'
Grant Imahara, the electrical engineer and roboticist who hosted the popular science show 'MythBusters' and Netflix's 'White Rabbit Project', has died at the age of 49. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he died due to a brain aneurysm. "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, July 13.
Imahara had joined Discovery's 'MythBusters' in Season 3, replacing Scottie Chapman. He left the show in 2014 with co-hosts Kari Byron and Tory Belleci. They reunited in 2016 for Netflix's 'White Rabbit Project' which lasted for one season. On MythBusters, Imahara had designed and built robots using his technical prowess, and also operated the computers and electronics needed to test myths.
He was also known for installing lights onto 'Star Wars' R2-D2, as well as creating the robot Geoff Peterson for 'The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson' and working on the Energizer Bunny.
Fans are heartbroken with the news and are expressing their condolences and sorrow on their social media pages. "RIP Grant Imahara. He built some really awesome robots and contraptions on Mythbusters, and it really fun seeing some of the stuff he came up with," a fan tweeted.
"This year continues to take. RIP Grant Imahara," another wrote. "RIP Grant Imahara, huge inspiration of mine during his time on mythbusters, and played a massive role into my love for engineering," tweeted another fan.
"RIP Grant. Real sad news. You were a literal mentor and I'm eternally grateful for the time you spent inspiring and educating the youth of the Richmond Highschool (myself included) robotics team. Thank you for sharing with us," a fan tweeted.
"He was too young and too wonderful to leave this world. My heart goes out to his family, friends, our con/geeky community, and all the people who looked up to him. RIP Grant," another wrote.
Adam Savage, the former host of 'MythBusters', penned an emotional note, "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."