Scott Adams, Dilbert Creator, Dies at 68

Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running comic strip Dilbert, has died at the age of 68, months after revealing that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Adams’ family confirmed his death on Tuesday. His former wife, Shelly Miles, announced the news during a YouTube message to fans, saying simply that Adams was “no longer with us.”

Just one day before his death, Adams spoke candidly during an online discussion streamed on X. He said his health had deteriorated rapidly and that he was living with severe pain and exhaustion.

“You can tell I’m getting weaker and weaker,” Adams said. “My tiredness and my pain are maxing out.”

Career and cultural impact

Adams launched Dilbert in 1989. The comic quickly gained global popularity for its sharp satire of corporate culture, office politics, and management absurdities. For decades, the strip appeared in thousands of newspapers worldwide and built a devoted readership.

In 1997, Adams received the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. The honor placed him among some of the most influential figures in comic history, including Matt Groening, Gary Trudeau, Gary Larson and Charles Schulz.

Controversy and fallout

However, Adams’ career suffered a major setback in 2023. Hundreds of newspapers dropped Dilbert after he made racist remarks about Black Americans during an online broadcast. The comments drew widespread condemnation and led to the comic’s removal from mainstream publications.

Despite the backlash, Adams continued to maintain an online following, where he commented on politics, culture and personal health struggles.

Final days and reactions

In his final public remarks, Adams thanked close supporters, including his former wife, whom he described as vital to his survival during his illness. He also expressed gratitude to conservative writer Joel Pollak for ongoing support.

Following news of his death, Donald Trump issued a statement praising Adams and offering condolences to his family. Trump said Adams had fought a long battle with illness and expressed sympathy for those close to him.

Adams leaves behind a complex legacy. While Dilbert remains a defining satire of modern office life, his later years were marked by controversy that reshaped public perception of his work.