Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip “Dilbert,” which humorously depicted the frustrations of white-collar office workers and mocked modern office culture, has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death was announced by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a livestream on Adams’s social media accounts. Adams had disclosed in 2025 that he was battling prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and was receiving hospice care at his Northern California residence.
During its peak, “Dilbert” was published in 2,000 newspapers globally, reaching audiences in over 70 countries and 25 languages. Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonist Society in 1997 and made history by having “Dilbert” recognized as one of the most influential fictional characters by Time magazine that same year.
The comic strip faced a sudden downfall in 2023 when Adams made racist remarks, leading to his removal from syndication. Following this incident, several newspapers ceased publishing “Dilbert,” and the cartoonist’s distributor, Andrews McMeel Universal, terminated their association with him. Despite the controversy, Adams relaunched the comic strip as “Dilbert Reborn” on the video platform Rumble and delved into political and social discussions through his podcast, “Real Coffee with Scott Adams.”
Adams’ career was marked by his unique portrayal of office dynamics in “Dilbert,” capturing the struggles of employees in a bureaucratic and absurd corporate environment. Over the years, the comic introduced iconic characters like Dilbert’s clueless boss, the frustrated worker Alice, and the megalomaniac Dogbert, resonating with readers worldwide.
While Adams faced criticism for controversial statements and a shift in the tone of his work towards themes of misogyny, anti-immigration, and racism, he continued to engage with his audience through various platforms. Despite his polarizing views, Adams maintained a loyal following, with supporters appreciating his stance on free speech and individual expression.
In remembrance of Scott Adams, U.S. President Donald Trump praised him as a significant influencer who courageously battled illness, highlighting Adams’ impact on popular culture and his enduring legacy in the world of comics.
