He 'could speak volumes with just a look': Farewell to the actor who said little but meant so much (83)
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Some figures leave an unforgettable mark without saying much at all.
A beloved presence from a well-known show has quietly passed away, prompting an outpouring of remembrance.
Their absence is felt deeply by those who knew them best.
Jon Miyahara appeared in 105 of the 113 episodes of the NBC workplace sitcom Superstore during its six-season run from 2015 to 2021.
He portrayed Brett, a mostly silent yet memorable employee at the fictional Cloud 9 store, where much of the series took place. Miyahara’s middle daughter, Pennie Cappasola, confirmed that he died on Wednesday, 6 August, with his wife, Chiyo, at his side.
Although the family has not released a public statement, Cappasola shared: ‘He loved working on Superstore.’
The news of his passing was first shared by his co-star Colton Dunn, who played Garrett, in a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Dunn wrote: ‘John Miyahara aka Brett from Superstorehas sadly passed away. 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.’
‘It was an honor to know him and work with him,’ Dunn added. ‘I was lucky enough to meet some of his family and my thoughts are with them. Rest in Peace John.’
Other cast members also shared their memories in response to Dunn’s tribute. Kelly Stables, who played Kelly, commented, ‘Oh man! He was always so sweet! Rest in peace.’
Irene White, who played Carol, described him as ‘an incredible man.’ Michael Bunin, who portrayed Jeff, wrote, ‘I'm so sad to hear this news. Many fun days and many fun conversations. Very nice guy.’
Sierra Teller Ornelas, a writer and producer on Superstore, recalled, ‘Oh no, he was literally the sweetest man. Prayers up to his family and loved ones.’
Fans remembered Miyahara’s character fondly, noting how he brought humour despite rarely speaking. The show even dedicated an episode to his character’s presumed death during a tornado.
In season 3’s episode ‘Brett’s Dead,’ the Cloud 9 team mourned Brett after a storm hit their store. The previous season’s finale featured Brett’s only line of dialogue — ‘Oh s---’ — as the tornado approached.
The storyline continued into season 3, where the characters grappled with Brett’s uncertain fate. They dedicated a bench in his memory, and Sandra, played by Kaliko Kauahi, performed a ukulele rendition of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ at his memorial.
Ultimately, it was revealed that Brett had survived by driving home to avoid the tornado.
Superstore is available to stream in full on Peacock.
If you found this tribute moving, you might be interested in learning about others who left a lasting impact on film and television.
Their careers also shaped the entertainment world in memorable ways. Here’s another story that honours such influential figures.
Read more: Entertainment world mourns two actors who shaped film and television
Losing a familiar face like Jon Miyahara’s from a beloved show reminds us how even the quietest characters can leave the loudest impact. May he rest in peace.
A beloved presence from a well-known show has quietly passed away, prompting an outpouring of remembrance.
Their absence is felt deeply by those who knew them best.
Jon Miyahara appeared in 105 of the 113 episodes of the NBC workplace sitcom Superstore during its six-season run from 2015 to 2021.
He portrayed Brett, a mostly silent yet memorable employee at the fictional Cloud 9 store, where much of the series took place. Miyahara’s middle daughter, Pennie Cappasola, confirmed that he died on Wednesday, 6 August, with his wife, Chiyo, at his side.
Although the family has not released a public statement, Cappasola shared: ‘He loved working on Superstore.’
Jon Miyahara, belovedSuperstore actor, dies aged 83. Image source: Hulu
The news of his passing was first shared by his co-star Colton Dunn, who played Garrett, in a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Dunn wrote: ‘John Miyahara aka Brett from Superstorehas sadly passed away. 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.’
‘It was an honor to know him and work with him,’ Dunn added. ‘I was lucky enough to meet some of his family and my thoughts are with them. Rest in Peace John.’
Other cast members also shared their memories in response to Dunn’s tribute. Kelly Stables, who played Kelly, commented, ‘Oh man! He was always so sweet! Rest in peace.’
Irene White, who played Carol, described him as ‘an incredible man.’ Michael Bunin, who portrayed Jeff, wrote, ‘I'm so sad to hear this news. Many fun days and many fun conversations. Very nice guy.’
Sierra Teller Ornelas, a writer and producer on Superstore, recalled, ‘Oh no, he was literally the sweetest man. Prayers up to his family and loved ones.’
Fans remembered Miyahara’s character fondly, noting how he brought humour despite rarely speaking. The show even dedicated an episode to his character’s presumed death during a tornado.
In season 3’s episode ‘Brett’s Dead,’ the Cloud 9 team mourned Brett after a storm hit their store. The previous season’s finale featured Brett’s only line of dialogue — ‘Oh s---’ — as the tornado approached.
The storyline continued into season 3, where the characters grappled with Brett’s uncertain fate. They dedicated a bench in his memory, and Sandra, played by Kaliko Kauahi, performed a ukulele rendition of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ at his memorial.
Ultimately, it was revealed that Brett had survived by driving home to avoid the tornado.
Superstore is available to stream in full on Peacock.
If you found this tribute moving, you might be interested in learning about others who left a lasting impact on film and television.
Their careers also shaped the entertainment world in memorable ways. Here’s another story that honours such influential figures.
Read more: Entertainment world mourns two actors who shaped film and television
Losing a familiar face like Jon Miyahara’s from a beloved show reminds us how even the quietest characters can leave the loudest impact. May he rest in peace.
