Scott Adams the cartoonist best known for creating the satirical comic strip Dilbert has died at the age of 68. His death was announced earlier today by his family on his podcast Real Coffee with Scott Adams. Adams had been battling metastatic prostate cancer since his public diagnosis in May 2025.
Scott Adams passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home in Pleasanton, California. His former wife, Shelly Miles, confirmed the news during a live broadcast of his daily show, reading a prepared final message from the cartoonist.
“I had an amazing life,” Adams wrote in his final statement. “I gave it everything I had. If I get any benefits from my work, I’m asking that you pay it forward as best as you can.”
Adams had been open about his health struggles, revealing in 2025 that his cancer had spread to his bones. Despite his declining health, he continued to broadcast his commentary and engage with his audience on the Locals platform until his final days.
The Rise of Dilbert
Born in Windham, New York, in 1957, Adams used his background in corporate America—including stints at Crocker National Bank and Pacific Bell—to fuel Dilbert. Launched in 1989, the strip became a global phenomenon for its cynical yet relatable take on office bureaucracy, micromanagement, and corporate absurdity.
At its peak, Dilbert was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers worldwide across 65 countries. It spawned a successful animated TV series, hundreds of merchandise items, and several best-selling business books, including The Dilbert Principle.
Adams’ later career was defined by his shift into political commentary and social provocation. In February 2023, his career took a drastic turn when his comments regarding race on his YouTube channel led to Dilbert being dropped by major publishers, including The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and the USA Today Network.
Following the cancellation, Adams pivoted entirely to independent media, finding a dedicated audience on social media platforms and his subscription-based site. He rebranded his comic as Dilbert Reborn, which ran exclusively online.
Key Moments in Scott Adams’ Career
- 1989: Dilbert is launched.
- 1996: Publication of The Dilbert Principle.
- 1997: Wins the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award.
- 2023: Dilbert syndication ends following controversial remarks; Adams moves to independent platforms.
- 2025: Announces diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer.
- 2026: Passes away at age 68.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the cause of Scott Adams’ death?
Scott Adams died from complications related to metastatic prostate cancer. He had been diagnosed in May 2025 and had publicly discussed his prognosis and treatment.
Is Dilbert still being published?
The syndicated newspaper version of Dilbert ceased in 2023. Adams continued to draw Dilbert Reborn for his online subscribers until late 2025, when physical limitations from his illness forced him to stop drawing.
What is Scott Adams’ legacy?
Adams leaves behind a complex legacy. He is celebrated for revolutionizing the comic strip format and validating the frustrations of millions of office workers. However, his legacy is also tied to the controversies of his later years and his polarizing role in political discourse.
Where can I find his final message?
His final message was read by his ex-wife Shelly Miles on the January 13, 2026 episode of his podcast, Real Coffee with Scott Adams, which is available on his YouTube channel and Locals page.
The death of Scott Adams marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in American pop culture. From the cubicles of the 1990s to the digital culture wars of the 2020s, Adams remained a figure who refused to be ignored. His impact on the world of cartooning and independent creator economics will be studied for years to come.
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