Jonathan Yasushi Miyahara, who captured hearts as the reserved yet iconic Brett Kobashigawa on NBC’s Superstore, passed away on August 6, 2025. He was 83 years old, and according to his daughter Pennie Cappasola, he died peacefully with his wife Chiyo by his side.
Though his character rarely spoke, Miyahara’s gentle expressions and understated timing made Brett unforgettable—creating one of the quietest yet most memorable presences in modern sitcom history.
Jon Miyahara at a Glance (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Yasushi Miyahara |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1941, Los Angeles, California |
| Age (at death) | 83 years old (died August 6, 2025) |
| Ethnicity | Japanese American |
| Most Famous Role | Brett Kobashigawa on NBC’s Superstore (2015–2021) |
| Episode Count | 105 of 113 episodes over six seasons |
| Other Credits | Reprised Brett in American Auto (2023) |
| Net Worth Estimate | ~$200,000 (unofficial estimate from Reddit discussions) |
| Social Media | No verified public social media profiles |
Family of Jon Miyahara
Jon Miyahara lived a private life away from the spotlight, and little was publicly shared about his personal relationships until his passing in August 2025. According to statements released to the media, Jon is survived by his wife, Chiyo Miyahara, who was by his side when he passed away peacefully.
He is also survived by his daughter, Pennie Cappasola, who confirmed his death to the press, noting that her father’s final moments were calm and dignified. Pennie’s heartfelt words painted a picture of a devoted husband and father whose warmth extended far beyond the set of Superstore.
No other immediate family members have been publicly identified, and Jon appeared to keep his family life intentionally private. Friends and colleagues described him as a man who valued personal connections and carried himself with kindness both on and off camera.
Early Life & Cultural Roots
Jon Miyahara was born in Los Angeles on August 8, 1941, into a Japanese American family. While little is publicly documented about his early life or upbringing, his cultural identity and origins are noted in records.
He did not pursue conventional paths to fame but rather crafted his television identity later in life—a testament to how quiet persistence can yield unforgettable results.
Breakthrough Role: Brett in Superstore
A Character Defined by Silence
Jon’s most significant professional role came with the NBC sitcom Superstore, where he portrayed Brett Kobashigawa, a mostly silent but deeply grounding employee at the fictional Cloud 9 department store. Appearing in 105 out of 113 episodes, he delivered a memorable presence that resonated despite minimal dialogue.
A Moment That Spoke Loudest
During the Season 2 finale’s tornado storyline, Brett delivers his only line in the entire series: “Oh shit.” That brief moment added layered emotion to an absurdly comedic scene, cementing his place in television lore. The show continued into Season 3 with an episode titled “Brett’s Dead,” humorously memorializing the character before his return.
Reprising Brett on American Auto
In 2023, Jon reprised the role of Brett on another NBC sitcom, American Auto, creating a subtle crossover and reinforcing the character’s nostalgic importance.
Legacy & Tributes from Colleagues
Jon’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from castmates:
- Colton Dunn (Garrett) wrote on Instagram: “John was a really awesome guy and as a performer could speak volumes with just a look. He was such a memorable part of the Cloud 9 team.”
- Kelly Stables: “Oh man! He was always so sweet.”
- Irene White: “What an incredible man.”
- Michael Bunin: “Many fun days and many fun conversations. Very nice guy.”
- Sierra Teller Ornelas (writer-producer): “He was literally the sweetest man.”
Fans echoed these sentiments, describing Brett as the kind of quietly dependable older coworker found in their own lives.
Estimating Net Worth
Jon Miyahara maintained a modest profile. A Reddit user speculated his net worth fell around $200,000, likely derived from modest residuals and occasional acting work.
No celebrity financial source has publicly confirmed this amount.
Final Reflections: The Power of Quiet Presence
Jon Miyahara’s career may not have spanned decades or blockbuster titles, but his legacy is felt deeply. As Brett, he reminded audiences that unspoken emotion and steadfast presence can be as impactful as any monologue.
In a world craving fireworks, Jon showed us the luminosity of stillness.