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The popular roboticist was known for his work on the hit Discovery series, Netflix's "White Rabbit Project" and designing Craig Ferguson's robot sidekick on "The Late Late Show."
Grant Imahara, an engineer by trade who gained fame for his work in robotics and as one of the hosts of Discovery Channel's "MythBusters," has died suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm, per The Hollywood Reporter. He was 49.
The reality host joined the popular Discovery series in its third season and stuck around for nearly a decade, departing with co-hosts Kari Byron and Tory Belleci in 2014, only to be reunited with them for Netflix's one-off "White Rabbit Project."
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View Story"We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant," said Discovery in a statement received by TMZ. "He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Imahara's "MythBusters" co-host Adam Savage admitted he was "at a loss" after having shared a career with Imahara for so many years. "Grant was a truly brilliant engineer, artist and performer, but also just such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON," he shared via Twitter. "Working with Grant was so much fun. I’ll miss my friend."
Imahara worked with some of the most iconic properties in entertainment through his career as an engineer and robiticist, including R2-D2 during his nine years with Lucasfilm's THX and ILM and even the Energizer Bunny.
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View StoryOne of his most eclectic -- but certainly memorable -- creations was for late-night television. Back when Craig Ferguson hosted "The Late Late Show," he always noted that he didn't have a co-host or sidekick to banter with the way most late-night hosts did.
Imahara came through, creating for him a robot sidekick in 2010. And Imahara would continue tweaking Geoff Peterson throughout his run on the show. Geoff would stay by Ferguson's side until their final show together in 2014. According to Imahara, the robot skeleton then went home with the late-night host.
As the news broke Monday night, fans and stars alike took to social media to share their shock and sadness at his sudden passing:
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View StoryI’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.
— Adam Savage (@donttrythis) July 14, 2020 @donttrythis
— Kari Byron (@KariByron) July 14, 2020 @KariByron
One of the coolest people from the comic con scene who was so kind to everyone. Selfless and always armed with a smile. Not to mention his passion for science. This is a total shock. Heartbreaking. https://t.co/OLRJtNSrSm #RIPGrantImahara
— Chris Gore (@ThatChrisGore) July 14, 2020 @ThatChrisGore
Grant Imahara was thoughtful, kind, funny, and authentic. We are heartbroken over this tragic and sudden loss.
— Nerdist (@nerdist) July 14, 2020 @nerdist
We’ll miss you ❤️
There are rare, RARE people in this world that are made of pure love, light, and kindness. @grantimahara is one of the brightest. Not an ounce of malice within that soul. Intelligence and heart that eclipse so much shadow. His years of friendship are precious to so many.
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) July 14, 2020 @matthewmercer
The world lost a fucking treasure of a human today. @grantimahara, thank you. Your kind spirit uplifted everyone lucky enough to be around you. We love you.
— Whitney Moore (@TweetneyMoore) July 14, 2020 @TweetneyMoore
My friend @grantimahara passed away today and it's not fair. He was a beautiful person and will be missed so much. Rest in peace Grant, we love you. pic.twitter.com/6sPzZQrEN6
— Alexander Ward - Black Lives Matter (@AlexWard777) July 14, 2020 @AlexWard777
Rest In Peace @grantimahara . He was probably one of the nicest most geniune people I been lucky to call a friend in the Bay Area. He always checked up on us & made us laugh. He taught me that I can do anything if I just believed in myself. He made everyone smile. I will miss you pic.twitter.com/Uanv80NSCa
— ⚡️Mecha Maiden⚡️ (@VampyBitme) July 14, 2020 @VampyBitme
in college my roommates and I watched craig ferguson's late late show obsessively and GEOFF was the best part. he was made by Grant Imahara - one of the many many amazing things he created.
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungFilm) July 14, 2020 @AndyYoungFilm
this year fucking sucks, man... pic.twitter.com/qP63Np54PE
My kid is crying over Grant Imahara.
— Darth Vader had more integrity than Republicans (@RachelBrown49) July 14, 2020 @RachelBrown49
Imahara has been a hero of his since he was wee. He's wanted to be a roboticist most of his life and Imahara showed him how fun and challenging working with robots could be.
To Grant Imahara, a hero for so many nerdy kids. pic.twitter.com/oATYoy2dc0
Grant Imahara was my favorite member of the Mythbusters. No question. Absolute Legend. Rest in Peace.#Mythbusters pic.twitter.com/LUFNS99ii4
— Joshua Alfred (@BrownSound29) July 14, 2020 @BrownSound29
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