Scott Adams, the creator of the renowned comic strip “Dilbert,” which humorously depicted the challenges faced by white-collar office workers and lampooned modern office environments, has passed away at the age of 68. This news was shared by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a livestream on Adams’s social media channels. Adams had revealed in 2025 that he was battling prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones and was under hospice care at his Northern California residence.
During its peak, “Dilbert,” featuring the iconic character in a white short-sleeved shirt and red tie, was published in 2,000 newspapers across 70 countries and 25 languages. Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonist Society in 1997 and made Time magazine’s list of the most influential Americans that same year, marking the first fictional character to achieve this recognition.
Adams faced a downfall in 2023 after making controversial racist comments, leading to his removal from syndication and a severance of ties with his distributor. Despite this setback, Adams relaunched his comic strip as “Dilbert Reborn” on the platform Rumble and delved into political and social issues through his podcast, “Real Coffee with Scott Adams.”
Known for its witty humor and insightful commentary on corporate culture, “Dilbert” introduced the popular “Dilbert Principle” and featured a cast of characters like Dilbert’s boss, Wally, and Dogbert. Adams’s engagement with fans through email and his creation of memorable aphorisms further solidified the comic strip’s popularity.
Over the years, Adams faced criticism for his controversial statements on various issues, including women’s treatment in society and historical events like the Holocaust. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Adams continued to express his views openly and found support from certain segments of the population.
In remembrance of Scott Adams, U.S. President Donald Trump praised him as a “Great Influencer” who bravely battled illness and stood by his convictions. Adams leaves behind a legacy of humor and social commentary that resonated with audiences worldwide.