Scott Adams, the creator of the widely popular comic strip “Dilbert,” known for its depiction of the challenges faced by white-collar workers in modern office settings, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was announced by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, via a live stream on Adams’s social media accounts. Adams, who disclosed in 2025 that he was battling prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, was under hospice care at his residence in Northern California.
“Dilbert,” featuring a protagonist in a white shirt with a red tie, gained immense popularity, appearing in 2,000 newspapers across 70 countries and in 25 languages. Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonist Society in 1997 and was the first fictional character to be included in Time magazine’s list of influential Americans the same year.
In 2023, Adams faced backlash and was dropped from syndication after making racist remarks, leading to the discontinuation of “Dilbert” in numerous newspapers. Despite the fallout, Adams continued his work through platforms such as Rumble with “Dilbert Reborn” and hosted a podcast discussing political and social issues. His controversial views on race, immigration, and misogyny gradually darkened the tone of his work over the years.
The legacy of Scott Adams and “Dilbert” remains mixed, with a significant impact on popular culture and office humor. Adams’ passing has drawn varied reactions, with some lauding his contributions and others critiquing his controversial statements.
