Jon Miyahara, the actor best known for playing the stoic and mostly silent Brett Kobashigawa in NBC’s hit workplace comedy Superstore, has died at the age of 83.
His death was confirmed on Instagram by cast member Colton Dunn, though no cause or exact date of death was provided.
Miyahara appeared in all but eight episodes of Superstore’s six-season run from 2015 to 2021. His character, Brett, became a fan favorite for his deadpan expressions and rare dialogue. One of his most memorable moments came during the show’s Season 2 tornado episode, where he delivered his only notable line — “Oh, shit” — before the screen cut to chaos.
The tornado plotline even sparked a running gag in the series. Believing Brett had been killed, his coworkers held a heartfelt memorial, only for him to calmly return to work in Season 3 without explanation.
Born Jonathan Yasushi Miyahara on August 8, 1941, in Los Angeles, he had no other major acting credits aside from reprising Brett in a cameo on NBC’s American Auto, also created by Justin Spitzer.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from Superstore co-stars. Dunn praised him as someone who “could speak volumes with just a look.” Kelly Stables remembered him as “so sweet,” Irene White called him “an incredible man,” and Michael Bunin recalled “many fun days and many fun conversations.”
Miyahara’s understated performance left an enduring mark on Superstore’s comedy legacy, with fans remembering Brett as one of Cloud 9’s most unforgettable employees.
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