How did ‘Dilbert’ creator Scott Adams go from cultural icon to controversial figure before his death at 68?
Scott Adams, cartoonist and author and creator of “Dilbert.” Image Credit: Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Scott Adams, the influential cartoonist behind the globally syndicated comic strip Dilbert, has died at the age of 68 following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. His death was announced Tuesday by his former wife, Shelly Miles, during an emotional livestream in which she read a final message prepared by Adams himself.
The creator, whose work reshaped office satire for decades, passed away in hospice care at his Pleasanton, California, home. His death marks the end of a career that combined cultural impact, political influence, and deep controversy.
A Final Message Marked by Gratitude and Reflection
In a statement dated January 1, Adams acknowledged the gravity of his condition, writing, “If you are reading this, things did not go well for me.” He described his life as “amazing” and urged fans to “pay it forward,” emphasizing usefulness as the legacy he hoped to leave behind.
The message quickly spread across social media, reigniting conversations about Adams’ work, beliefs, and the complicated path his career took in its final years.
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The Medical Battle That Defined His Final Months
Adams revealed in May that he had aggressive metastatic prostate cancer, the same disease publicly disclosed by former President Joe Biden around the same time. He later stated that the cancer had spread to his bones, significantly limiting treatment options.
In November, Adams publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for help accessing a newly FDA-approved cancer drug, accusing his healthcare provider of delays. Trump responded publicly and later described Adams as a “Great Influencer,” offering condolences after his death.
The Rise of Dilbert and a Cultural Phenomenon
Born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, Scott Raymond Adams built Dilbert from simple doodles into a defining satire of corporate America. First published in 1989, the strip resonated with millions navigating cubicle culture, corporate jargon, and management dysfunction.
At its peak, Dilbert appeared in thousands of newspapers worldwide and expanded into books, merchandise, and a television series. Adams was also an early digital pioneer, launching a Dilbert website and interacting directly with readers long before most cartoonists embraced the internet.
Political Influence and Public Persona
Beyond comics, Adams became a prominent political commentator. He gained widespread attention after correctly predicting Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory and later authored Win Bigly, a bestselling book praising Trump’s persuasion skills.
His political alignment brought him new audiences, and critics, transforming him from a workplace humorist into a polarizing public intellectual.
The Controversy That Ended Dilbert in Newspapers
In 2023, Adams’ career took a dramatic turn after racist remarks made during his YouTube show sparked outrage. His comments led to Dilbert being dropped by most major newspapers, effectively ending its traditional syndication.
Adams refused to apologize, stating the remarks were intentional, and later relaunched the strip as a paid online subscription titled Dilbert Reborn. The incident permanently altered his public reputation and overshadowed much of his earlier success.
A Complicated Legacy That Continues to Spark Debate
Scott Adams leaves behind a legacy that is deeply divided, celebrated for his satirical genius and criticized for his inflammatory rhetoric. While Dilbert changed how corporate life was portrayed in media, Adams’ later years ensured his name would remain controversial.
In death, conversations surrounding Adams continue to reflect the contradictions that defined his life: creativity and provocation, influence and backlash, success and self-destruction.
FAQ
Who was Scott Adams?
Scott Adams was an American cartoonist best known for creating Dilbert, a satirical comic strip focused on corporate workplace culture.
How did Scott Adams die?
Scott Adams died at age 68 after battling metastatic prostate cancer, according to a statement released by his former wife.
What type of cancer did Scott Adams have?
He was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, significantly limiting treatment options.
Why was Dilbert canceled by newspapers?
Dilbert was dropped by most newspapers in 2023 following racist remarks Adams made during a YouTube broadcast.
Did Scott Adams apologize for his comments?
No. Adams stated that his remarks were intentional and declined to issue an apology.
What was Scott Adams’ relationship with Donald Trump?
Adams was a vocal supporter of Trump, correctly predicted his 2016 election win, authored Win Bigly, and was later invited to the White House.
Is Dilbert still being published?
Yes, but only as a paid online subscription called Dilbert Reborn following its removal from newspapers.
What was Scott Adams’ final message?
In his final statement, Adams said he lived an “amazing life” and asked fans to “pay it forward” and be useful to others.
What is Scott Adams’ legacy?
His legacy is mixed, he is remembered both as a groundbreaking satirist of office culture and as a controversial figure whose remarks led to professional fallout.
