Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the beloved comic strip “Dilbert,” which humorously depicted the struggles of office workers and parodied modern workplace dynamics, has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death was shared by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a livestream on Adams’s social media platforms. Adams, who had battled prostate cancer that spread to his bones, was under hospice care at his Northern California residence.
“Dilbert,” featuring a mouthless protagonist in a white shirt and red tie, reached peak popularity with a presence in over 2,000 newspapers across 70 countries and 25 languages. Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonist Society in 1997 and made history by having “Dilbert” listed as one of Time magazine’s most influential Americans that same year.
The comic strip faced a sudden downfall in 2023 when Adams made racist remarks, leading to his removal from syndication and severance from his distributor. Despite the setback, Adams relaunched his comic as “Dilbert Reborn” on the conservative-leaning platform Rumble and engaged in various media ventures, including a podcast discussing political and social issues.
While Adams faced criticism for controversial statements over the years, his impact on comic art and office culture satire remains significant. His creation, “Dilbert,” resonated with audiences worldwide, spawning bestselling books, merchandise, and an animated TV series. Adams’s legacy, though clouded by controversy, leaves a lasting imprint on the world of comics and humor.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Adams, acknowledging his influence and courage in battling illness. Adams’s contributions to the comic industry and his unique portrayal of workplace absurdities will be remembered by fans and critics alike.