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Lucasfilm Roboticist Grant Imahara Dead at 49

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Posted on by Rebekah Barton

Grant Imahara, 49, has died suddenly following a brain aneurysm.

The roboticist and electrical engineer was most well-known for his work on the Discovery Channel’s popular MythBusters series. Imahara also had a long history working with Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company.

Following graduation from the University of Southern California, Imahara was hired at Lucasfilm’s THX and Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) department. One of his major contributions to the Star Wars universe was developing iconic droid R2-D2 for the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

imahara
Credit: Getty Images

Imahara spent nine years at Lucasfilm, ultimately becoming the chief model maker for Star Wars movie animatronics. He also worked on numerous other films, including The Matrix Reloaded, Galaxy Quest, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

MythBusters host Adam Savage took to social media following the news of Imahara’s passing.

Savage shared a touching tribute with his Twitter followers, writing:

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.

Other MythBusters cast members have also Tweeted about Imahara’s untimely death. Kari Byron wrote:

Somedays I wish I had a time machine.

Tory Belleci also shared a memorial post, writing:

I just cannot believe it. I don’t even know what to say. My heart is broken. Goodbye buddy.

Fans of the White Rabbit host have also been sharing their condolences on social media. Twitter user @ggizmi wrote:

This breaks my heart. I met Grant at an ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ art show. He talked with me about planes and we geeked out for a bit. What a kind, brilliant, amazing soul

 

Imahara will clearly be missed, not only for his contributions to the movie and television industry, but as a person. The entire ITM team sends our thoughts to all those who knew Grant Imahara amid the sad news of Imahara’s death.
Share your favorite Grant Imahara moment in the comments.

in Disney, Star Wars

Rebekah Barton

When she's not planning her next Disney trip, Rebekah can be found spending time with her family, shopping for Lilly Pulitzer, buried in a good book, or doing yoga. She never misses Jeopardy and alternately wishes she lived in Beast's castle or was making the Kessel Run in the Millennium Falcon.

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