Grant Imahara Dies at 49
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Grant Imahara, host of MythBusters and Netflix’s White Rabbit Project, has passed away at age 49 after suffering a sudden brain aneurysm.
In a statement released Monday, a representative for 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 was born in Los Angeles and went to study electrical engineering at the University of Southern California. He later combined his love for film and engineering at Lucasfilm-associated THX labs. During his nine years with Lucasfilm, he worked for the company’s THX and Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) divisions. While at ILM, he became the chief model maker specializing in animatronics. He also worked on the Star Wars prequels, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Galaxy Quest, XXX: State of the Union, Van Helsing, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
During the third season of Discovery’s MythBusters, Imahara replaced Scottie Chapman and joined the cast. He left the show in 2014 with co-hosts Kari Byron and Tory Belleci; however, the trio would reunite in 2016 for one season of Netflix’s White Rabbit Project.
Imahara was a rare personality who was able to encourage and inspire viewers of all ages without coming across as condescending. He will truly be missed.
