Grant Imahara, an electrical engineer and roboticist who became co-host of the TV series MythBusters and White Rabbit Project, has died. He was 49.
MythBusters was a long-running science and invention show made by Discovery. White Rabbit Project ran for one season on Netflix in 2016.
In a statement, Discovery 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.”
Imahara previously worked for Lucasfilm and its THX and Industrial Light and Magic divisions. His film credits included The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Galaxy Quest, XXX: State of the Union, Van Helsing, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, AI Artificial Intelligence and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
“Grant Imahara was an electrical engineer who dedicated his life to using his skills to make people smile,” Discovery said. “Beyond his time with the Discovery family, Grant was one of the few officially trained operators for famed droid R2-D2 within the Star Wars universe, he also engineered the Energizer Bunny’s iconic rhythmic beat.”
The Hollywood Reporter said Imahara died suddenly, of an aneurysm.
Discovery also said Imahara “was part of the MythBusters team for 10 years, where his dedication to his craft and his ability to bust myths with the best of them brought tech to life for his fans”.
Jennifer Newman, Imahara’s fiancee, tweeted: “I haven’t found the words. I don’t know if I’ll be able to. I lost a part of my heart and soul today. He was so generous and kind, so endlessly sweet and so loved by his incredible friends. I feel so lucky to have known him, to have loved and been loved by him. I love you, honey.”
Adam Savage, a former co-host of MythBusters, said: “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.”
