Scott Adams, Dilbert Creator and Satirical Cartoonist, Dies at 68

 

Scott Adams, Dilbert Creator and Satirical Cartoonist, Dies at 68

Published: January 13, 2026

Scott Adams, the iconic cartoonist behind the office-culture satire Dilbert, has passed away at the age of 68. Adams died on January 13, 2026 after a battle with metastatic prostate cancer, a condition he publicly disclosed in May 2025 following the spread of the disease. Source

Adams rose to fame with Dilbert, a comic strip that humorously highlighted cubicle life, clueless bosses, and corporate bureaucracy. Launched in 1989, Dilbert quickly became one of the world’s most syndicated comics, appearing in newspapers across dozens of countries. Its memorable characters — the frustrated engineer Dilbert, his clever dog Dogbert, and the oblivious pointy-haired boss — resonated with office workers everywhere. Read more

Born in Windham, New York, in 1957, Adams initially worked in engineering before turning to cartooning. The success of Dilbert led to books, merchandise, and even an animated television adaptation, cementing his place in popular culture. He also authored business satire bestsellers like The Dilbert Principle. Source

Later in his career, Adams became a controversial figure due to his outspoken political and social commentary. In 2023, several major newspapers dropped Dilbert after he made racially provocative comments during a livestream, prompting him to shift toward self-publishing and online commentary. Read more

Despite controversies, Adams remained active as a creator until his health declined, continuing to share work and insights until his final months. His ex-wife, Shelly Miles, publicly announced his passing and read a farewell message prepared by Adams, expressing gratitude to his supporters. Source

Scott Adams leaves a complex legacy: a trailblazing satirical voice who reshaped office humor, yet also a polarizing public figure due to his later commentary. Read more