What Happened to Grant Imahara? How did He Die?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 23, 2023
Who Was Grant Imahara?
Grant Imahara was an extraordinary individual who brought passion, innovation, and a sense of wonder to the fields of electrical engineering, robotics, and television hosting. Throughout his remarkable career, Grant's remarkable talents and boundless enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the world. Grant's journey began at Lucasfilm, where he immersed himself in groundbreaking projects.
As an engineer in the THX division and later in the renowned Industrial Light & Magic division, Grant contributed his expertise to iconic films like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Terminator. His creative genius and technical prowess helped bring these cinematic worlds to life, captivating audiences worldwide. Television became another canvas for Grant's brilliance.
He first gained recognition on the thrilling robot combat series BattleBots, where he showcased his ingenuity by designing and competing with his formidable creation, Deadblow. His talents shone brightly, and he returned to the show as a judge, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert in the field. Grant's journey reached new heights when he joined the cast of the beloved television series MythBusters.
As a member of the esteemed Build Team, Grant's expertise in robotics and engineering took center stage as he designed, constructed, and operated an array of awe-inspiring machines and robots. With over 200 episodes to his credit, Grant left an indelible impact on the show, captivating audiences with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to testing myths.
Not content with conquering the realms of film and television, Grant's creativity expanded further. In 2010, he embarked on an exciting venture by designing the charismatic and witty animatronic "robot skeleton" known as Geoff Peterson for The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Grant's ingenuity breathed life into this unique sidekick, capturing the hearts of viewers and showcasing his remarkable talents in a new domain.
Grant's insatiable thirst for discovery and adventure led him to join forces once again with his MythBusters comrades, Kari Byron and Tory Belleci, for the captivating Netflix series White Rabbit Project. Together, they embarked on thrilling and mind-bending investigations, pushing the boundaries of science and exploring the wonders of the world around them.
Sadly, Grant's journey was tragically cut short, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. His untimely passing is a profound loss for the worlds of engineering, robotics, and entertainment. Grant Imahara will forever be remembered as a passionate pioneer who ignited our imaginations and inspired us to dream bigger. His legacy lives on, a testament to the power of passion, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
What Happened to Grant Imahara?
On July 13, 2020, Grant Imahara, the longtime host of Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters," passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 49, as confirmed by the network on Tuesday. Discovery Channel released a statement expressing their grief over the sad news of Grant's passing, referring to him as an integral part of their Discovery family and a remarkable individual. They extended their thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
Grant Imahara gained recognition not only for his role on "Mythbusters" but also for his appearance on Netflix's "White Rabbit Project." He garnered popularity in Hollywood due to his expertise in electronics and, more recently, for his creation of a fully animatronic Baby Yoda. According to Discovery's website, Imahara devoted his life to using his skills to bring smiles to people's faces. He was renowned as one of the few trained operators for the iconic R2-D2 droid from the Star Wars franchise and was responsible for engineering the Energizer Bunny's popular rhythmic beat.
Adam Savage, former co-host of "Mythbusters," expressed his deep sorrow and shared a heartfelt message about Imahara on social media. Savage stated that he was at a loss for words and had been fortunate to consider Grant as part of two significant families over the past 22 years. He praised Grant as a genuinely brilliant engineer, artist, and performer, emphasizing his generous, easygoing, and gentle nature. Savage reminisced about the enjoyable experiences they shared and expressed his sorrow at the loss of his friend.
Kari Byron and Tory Belleci, Imahara's co-hosts on "Mythbusters" and "White Rabbit Project," also conveyed their heartbreak and shock upon hearing the news of their colleague and friend's untimely death. Byron expressed disbelief and shared that she had just spoken with Grant on the phone, finding it difficult to comprehend the reality of his passing. She posted a series of photos of Imahara and mourned the loss. Belleci, too, struggled to find words, stating that his heart was broken and bidding a farewell to his beloved friend.
How did Grant Imahara Die?
Grant Imahara, the beloved host of the hit show "MythBusters," passed away suddenly due to a brain aneurysm. Adam Savage, who worked alongside Imahara on the show, continues to mourn his loss deeply. Reflecting on Imahara's character, Savage describes him as an honorable man who was eager to share his knowledge with others. To honor Imahara's memory and passion for education, the team behind "MythBusters" decided to auction off props used during the show's 15-year run from 2003 to 2018.
The online auction, hosted by Prop Store and running until September 1, includes various items such as different versions of Buster, the test dummy used in risky experiments, and blueprints of the show's creations. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation, which aims to inspire emerging talent and provide opportunities for underserved youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through mentorships, grants, and scholarships.
Savage fondly recalls his favorite memory of Imahara, highlighting the joy on his face when an experiment yielded successful results. He mentions a specific instance where Imahara, alongside former co-stars Tory Belleci and Kari Byron, conducted an experiment involving urine freezing into ice balls on a plane wing before crashing through a house. The experiment went flawlessly, and the elation on Imahara's face was akin to winning the lottery, according to Savage.
As a personal fan of the show's creations, Savage has kept a few mementos, including remnants of the original Buster crash test dummy. These cherished objects hold a special place on his memorial shelf, alongside items like a silver dollar with a bullet hole and fused bullets. However, he regrets not having space for the mechanical shark named Bruce, used to test the theory of jamming a thumb into a shark's eye during an attack.
The auction also features notable items like the arrow machine gun, which Savage describes as one of the most mechanically intricate builds he and Jamie Hyneman ever undertook. Despite its slower-than-expected operation, the machine gun successfully launched 15 arrows in under two minutes.
Although years have passed since the show's conclusion, Savage continues to encounter fans who credit "MythBusters" with shaping their academic and professional paths. He is moved by stories of viewers who claim that the show inspired them to pursue engineering or medicine, and who now bring their own children to meet the cast at autograph signings.
Savage expresses his excitement that fans can now acquire a tangible piece of "MythBusters" history and envisions a future moment when he may enter someone's home and spot a blueprint from the show adorning their wall, signifying the completion of a profound journey.
Grant Imahara Family
Grant Imahara, a beloved and talented individual, was born on October 23, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, to a Japanese-American family. His parents' names and details about his siblings remain unknown. Growing up, Grant embraced his Japanese heritage with the name Imahara Masaru. He had a passion for knowledge and graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
While studying at USC, Grant briefly contemplated a career as a screenwriter but ultimately found his calling in engineering. His path solidified when he had the opportunity to assist Tomlinson Holman, a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. This experience inspired him to continue his engineering journey.
In Grant's personal life, he found love and companionship with his long-time girlfriend, Jennifer Newman, who is a talented costume designer and actress. Their relationship was filled with shared interests and adventures. Grant proposed to Jennifer in 2016, making a heartfelt declaration of their love in front of 250 guests at Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown LA. He presented her with a beautiful 1.56-carat ring, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
Grant's presence on television screens was cherished by fans around the world. He became widely known as a regular on the popular TV series "Mythbusters," captivating audiences with his scientific expertise and infectious enthusiasm since 2005. His talents extended beyond "Mythbusters," as he excelled in other shows such as "Battlebots," "Tabletop," and as the host of "White Rabbit Project." Grant's creativity and skills also led him to play the iconic role of Hikaru Sulu in all 11 episodes of "Star Trek Continues."
Tragically, Grant's life was cut short, leaving behind a void that was felt deeply by his loved ones and fans alike. Jennifer, his fiance, expressed her profound sadness and struggle to find the right words to convey her grief after his passing. Though Grant did not have children, he left behind a legacy of inspiration and innovation that touched the lives of many.
Grant Imahara will always be remembered as a remarkable individual whose passion for science, engineering, and creativity brought joy to countless people. His engaging presence on screen, his commitment to his craft, and his loving relationship with Jennifer exemplify the lovable nature that endeared him to so many.
Grant Imahara Net Worth
Grant Imahara's primary source of income was his work in the fields of engineering, robotics, and television. Imahara gained significant recognition and income through his work as a television host. He was best known for his role on the popular television series MythBusters, where he appeared in over 200 episodes. He also hosted the Netflix series White Rabbit Project alongside his MythBusters co-stars, Kari Byron and Tory Belleci.
Imahara's expertise in robotics and engineering allowed him to work on various projects in the entertainment industry. He began his career at Lucasfilm, where he contributed to visual effects and worked as an engineer in the THX and Industrial Light & Magic divisions. His work on films like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and The Matrix showcased his technical skills and helped generate income.
Imahara participated in the robot combat series BattleBots, where he designed and competed with his robot, Deadblow. His involvement in the show and subsequent return as a judge allowed him to earn income from the world of competitive robotics. Imahara's expertise in electronics, robotics, and model making made him a sought-after consultant and model maker. He worked on various projects in the entertainment industry, including Galaxy Quest, where he served as a chief model maker with Industrial Light & Magic.
As a well-known figure in the entertainment and engineering realms, Imahara had opportunities for endorsements and public appearances. These ventures provided additional income and allowed him to connect with fans and audiences.
Name
Grant Imahara
Net Worth 2023
$2 Million
Profession
Electrical engineer, Roboticist and Television host
Source of Income
Though his multiple Career
Age at Death
49
Grant Imahara Net Worth
What Happened to Grant Imahara - FAQs
Grant Imahara is best known for his role as a cast member and builder on the popular television series MythBusters. He appeared in over 200 episodes of the show.
Yes, Grant Imahara had a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California (USC). He utilized his engineering skills throughout his career in various projects and roles.
Absolutely. Grant Imahara had a strong passion for robotics and was known for his expertise in the field. He competed in the robot combat series BattleBots and designed his own robot called Deadblow. He also worked on robotic creations for films and television shows.
Grant Imahara's work spanned across several notable projects. He contributed to films from franchises like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Terminator through his role at Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic division. He also had a significant presence on television, including MythBusters, White Rabbit Project, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Grant Imahara generated income through various sources. His primary sources of income were his television hosting gigs, particularly on MythBusters and White Rabbit Project. Additionally, his work in robotics, engineering, consulting, and model making in the entertainment industry contributed to his financial success. He also had opportunities for endorsements and public appearances, further adding to his income.