James Franklin "Jamie" Hyneman (born September 25, 1956) is an American special effects expert, best known for being the co-host of the television series MythBusters. He is also the founder of M5 Industries, a special effects workshop where MythBusters is filmed.
He is known in the Robot Wars circles for his robot entry, Blendo, which, for a time, was deemed too dangerous for entry into the competition.
Born in Marshall, Michigan, and raised in Columbus, Indiana, Hyneman earned a degree in Russian linguistics from Indiana University. A variety of careers fill his resume, including scuba diver, wilderness survival expert, boat captain, linguist, pet shop owner, animal wrangler, machinist, concrete inspector, and chef.
He apparently has a mild case of acrophobia (fear of heights), as mentioned in the Hammer Drop and Duct Tape 2 bridge segments.
Hyneman identifies strongly with skeptics and atheists. He has been married to a science teacher at Encinal High School for over twenty years, whom Jamie met while he owned a sailboat diving charter business in the Virgin Islands.
Watching the Hot Bullets episode - I love the scene with Adam giving Jamie his motivation. Do not mess with the Hyneman. More importantly, don't mess with the wife of the Hyneman. ;)