Scott Adams, Creator of Dilbert, Dies at 68 Amidst Controversy and Tributes
Published 13 January 2026
Highlights
- Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, passed away at 68 due to prostate cancer.
- His ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a livestream on his podcast.
- Adams faced controversy in 2023 after making racially charged comments, leading to the cancellation of his comic strip in many newspapers.
- Despite his controversial views, Adams was a successful author and commentator, with tributes from figures like Donald Trump.
- Adams had been receiving end-of-life care after his cancer spread to his bones, a condition he publicly discussed.
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Rewritten Article
Scott Adams, Creator of Dilbert, Dies at 68 Amidst Controversy and Tributes
Scott Adams, the influential yet controversial cartoonist behind the Dilbert comic strip, has died at the age of 68 following a battle with prostate cancer. His death was announced by his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a heartfelt livestream on his podcast, Real Coffee with Scott Adams, on Tuesday.
A Legacy of Satire and Success
Born in 1957 in Windham, New York, Adams was inspired by Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comics and began drawing at a young age. He launched Dilbert in 1989, a satirical comic strip that humorously critiqued corporate culture. The strip quickly gained popularity, appearing in over 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries. By the mid-1990s, Adams had left his corporate job to focus on cartooning full-time, achieving significant success with his bestselling book, The Dilbert Principle, and winning the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben award in 1997. His work expanded into an Emmy-nominated animated series, further cementing his influence in the world of satire.
Controversy and Political Commentary
In recent years, Adams became known for his conservative political commentary, often sparking debate with his views. In 2023, he faced widespread backlash after describing Black Americans as a "hate group" and advising white Americans to distance themselves from Black people. These comments, made during a YouTube livestream, led to the cancellation of Dilbert in numerous newspapers, including the Washington Post. Adams defended his remarks, claiming they were hyperbolic and taken out of context.
Personal Life and Final Days
Adams was married twice, first to Shelly Miles in 2006, with whom he later divorced in 2014, and then to Kristina Basham from 2020 until their divorce in 2022. He leaves behind no biological children. In May 2025, Adams revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis, which had spread to his bones. Despite his declining health, he continued to engage with his audience, sharing updates on his condition. In a poignant farewell message, Adams reflected on his life, urging his followers to "pay it forward" and remember him for his contributions.
Tributes and Reflections
Following his death, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Adams on Truth Social, calling him a "fantastic guy" and acknowledging his battle with cancer. Adams's influence and controversial legacy continue to spark discussions, highlighting the complex interplay between art, politics, and personal beliefs.
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Scenario Analysis
Scott Adams's death marks the end of an era for the Dilbert comic strip, which had been a staple in newspapers worldwide. The controversy surrounding his comments may continue to affect how his work is perceived, potentially influencing future discussions on the responsibilities of public figures in media. As the media landscape evolves, Adams's legacy as both a satirist and a conservative commentator will likely be analyzed for its impact on political discourse and cultural commentary.
Scott Adams, the influential yet controversial cartoonist behind the Dilbert comic strip, has died at the age of 68 following a battle with prostate cancer. His death was announced by his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a heartfelt livestream on his podcast, Real Coffee with Scott Adams, on Tuesday.
A Legacy of Satire and Success
Born in 1957 in Windham, New York, Adams was inspired by Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comics and began drawing at a young age. He launched Dilbert in 1989, a satirical comic strip that humorously critiqued corporate culture. The strip quickly gained popularity, appearing in over 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries. By the mid-1990s, Adams had left his corporate job to focus on cartooning full-time, achieving significant success with his bestselling book, The Dilbert Principle, and winning the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben award in 1997. His work expanded into an Emmy-nominated animated series, further cementing his influence in the world of satire.
Controversy and Political Commentary
In recent years, Adams became known for his conservative political commentary, often sparking debate with his views. In 2023, he faced widespread backlash after describing Black Americans as a "hate group" and advising white Americans to distance themselves from Black people. These comments, made during a YouTube livestream, led to the cancellation of Dilbert in numerous newspapers, including the Washington Post. Adams defended his remarks, claiming they were hyperbolic and taken out of context.
Personal Life and Final Days
Adams was married twice, first to Shelly Miles in 2006, with whom he later divorced in 2014, and then to Kristina Basham from 2020 until their divorce in 2022. He leaves behind no biological children. In May 2025, Adams revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis, which had spread to his bones. Despite his declining health, he continued to engage with his audience, sharing updates on his condition. In a poignant farewell message, Adams reflected on his life, urging his followers to "pay it forward" and remember him for his contributions.
Tributes and Reflections
Following his death, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Adams on Truth Social, calling him a "fantastic guy" and acknowledging his battle with cancer. Adams's influence and controversial legacy continue to spark discussions, highlighting the complex interplay between art, politics, and personal beliefs.
What this might mean
Scott Adams's death marks the end of an era for the Dilbert comic strip, which had been a staple in newspapers worldwide. The controversy surrounding his comments may continue to affect how his work is perceived, potentially influencing future discussions on the responsibilities of public figures in media. As the media landscape evolves, Adams's legacy as both a satirist and a conservative commentator will likely be analyzed for its impact on political discourse and cultural commentary.
