Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip “Dilbert,” has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with prostate cancer. His death was confirmed through a pre-prepared statement he wrote prior to his passing, which was read by his ex-wife, Shelly Adams, during a livestream. In the statement, Adams reflected on his life, saying, “I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had.”
The “Dilbert” comic strip debuted in 1989 and quickly became a cultural touchstone, known for its satirical take on corporate culture and office dynamics. Adams drew inspiration from his own experiences as a bank teller and a manager at Pacific Bell, using humor to critique corporate jargon and middle management. What began as simple doodles during mundane meetings evolved into a vast empire, including companion books, a short-lived animated series, and a brief foray into the food industry with a burrito line. At its peak in 2013, “Dilbert” was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers worldwide.
Adams’s career took a significant turn in 2023 when he faced widespread backlash for controversial comments made during his podcast. Discussing a poll from Rasmussen Reports, which indicated that 53% of Black Americans agreed with the statement, “It’s OK to be white,” he referred to Black Americans as a “hate group.” His remarks led to the loss of over half of his syndication contracts, marking a dramatic shift in his professional landscape.
Throughout his career, Adams was no stranger to controversy. In 2006, he questioned the accuracy of the Holocaust death toll on his blog, and in 2011, he made statements suggesting that society treats women differently for reasons akin to those for treating children and the mentally handicapped differently. His comments often sparked heated conversations, particularly within conservative circles.
Despite the fallout from his remarks, Adams remained a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump. In a podcast episode from October, he discussed the personal costs of his political stance, stating, “I sacrificed everything. I sacrificed my social life. I sacrificed my career. I sacrificed my reputation. I may have sacrificed my health. And I did that because I believed it was worth it.”
Following his death, Trump paid tribute to Adams via a post on Truth Social, describing him as a “fantastic guy” who will be “truly missed.” Trump acknowledged Adams’s long battle with cancer and expressed his condolences to Adams’s family and friends.
As the news of his passing reverberates through the media, Scott Adams leaves behind a complex legacy. He will be remembered not only for “Dilbert,” a strip that encapsulated the absurdities of office life, but also for his polarizing views that sparked significant debate in the public sphere.
