Jon Miyahara, Beloved ‘Superstore’ Actor, Dies at 83 — Remembering the Silent Scene-Stealer
The television world is mourning the loss of Jon Miyahara, the quietly remarkable actor known for portraying Brett Kobashigawa in NBC’s popular sitcom Superstore. Miyahara passed away on August 6, 2025, two days shy of his 84th birthday, his death recently confirmed by his family and supported by numerous heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans
A Beloved Figure in Superstore
Born Jonathan Yasushi Miyahara on August 8, 1941, in Los Angeles, Miyahara brought a unique presence to the role of Brett — a mostly silent Cloud 9 employee whose expressions spoke volumes. Despite having minimal dialogue, Miyahara appeared in an impressive 105 out of the 113 episodes of Superstore, spanning all six seasons of the show (2015–2021)
One of the most memorable moments involving Brett came in the Season 2 finale, where faced with a tornado, he uttered his only line: “Oh, s—.” This rare piece of dialogue sparked an unforgettable arc where coworkers thought he had perished, leading to a touching (yet humorous) memorial — only for Brett to reappear at the start of Season 3, having simply driven home to dodge the storm
Tributes from Cast and Crew
News of Miyahara’s passing first came via an Instagram tribute from his Superstore co-star Colton Dunn, who remembered him as “a really awesome guy” and praised his profound ability to convey drama and humor with just a look
Fellow cast members also shared their condolences:
- Kelly Stables: “Oh man! He was always so sweet! Rest in peace.”
- Irene White: “What an incredible man.”
- Michael Bunin: “I’m so sad to hear this news. Many fun days and many fun conversations. Very nice guy.”
- Amir Korangy: “He was such an amazing soul. Caring, smart and fun with a wonderful calming Zen demeanor. He was so sweet when I got ill… R.I.P.”
- Sierra Teller Ornelas, a Superstore writer-producer, added: “Oh no, he was literally the sweetest man. Prayers up to his family and loved ones.”
Fans echoed these sentiments online. On Reddit, one user noted:
“He stole every scene he was in and somehow had a well-defined character despite never speaking”
A Lasting Legacy Beyond Dialogue
Although Miyahara’s role in Superstore featured few lines, his charm and unmistakable screen presence turned Brett into a fan favorite and a quietly powerful example of how much can be communicated without words. His performance showed depth, warmth, and presence — reminding audiences that sometimes, silence speaks louder than speech.
He reprised the character of Brett in an episode of NBC’s American Auto (2023), another show from Superstore creator Justin Spitzer, further confirming his resonance in the shared TV universe
A Quiet Star with a Big Impact
Jon Miyahara may not have been a household name, but his portrayal of Brett left a lasting imprint on viewers and colleagues alike. His passing marks the end of a chapter in a beloved sitcom and the departure of a humble artist whose subtlety on-screen brought joy and connection.
As tributes pour in, Superstore fans and cast members alike honor him not just for his comedic timing, but for his kind presence and ability to stay grounded in an industry often defined by spectacle and noise.
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