The world of satire and office humour has lost one of its defining voices. Scott Adams, the American cartoonist who created the globally syndicated comic strip Dilbert, has died. He was 68 years old.
A Final Message to Fans
Adams passed away after a battle with prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in May of last year. The news was announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by his first ex-wife, Shelley Miles, during an episode of his podcast, Real Coffee with Scott Adams.
Miles read a poignant final message written by Adams himself on January 1st, 2026. In it, he revealed the aggressive nature of his illness, stating, "My body fell before my brain. I am of sound mind as I write this." He shared that the cancer had spread to his bones, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, and that he had been receiving hospice care at his home in Northern California.
From Engineer to Comic Strip Legend
Adams conceived Dilbert while working as an engineer at Pacific Bell in the 1980s. The strip, which debuted in 1989, masterfully lampooned the absurdities of corporate office culture. At the peak of its popularity, Dilbert was featured in more than 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries and was translated into 25 languages, resonating with white-collar workers worldwide.
Beyond the comic, Adams became a known conservative commentator and podcaster, cultivating a dedicated following for his views on business, psychology, and politics.
Late Spiritual Awakening and Public Tributes
In his final note, Adams, who described himself as not religious, made a significant declaration. "I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and look forward to spending an eternity with him," he wrote, adding he hoped this late conversion was "not too late" for qualification.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social, calling Adams a "fantastic guy" who bravely fought a "long battle against a terrible disease." He concluded, "He will be truly missed."
Fox News commentator Greg Gutfeld thanked Adams on social media for making "the world infinitely better," while political commentator Matt Walsh praised Adams for facing his death with "clarity, courage, and honesty," calling it his "final service to the world."
The legacy of Scott Adams is indelibly linked to the cynical, tie-wearing engineer and his pet dog, Dogbert. Through Dilbert, he gave a generation of office workers a shared language for the frustrations and oddities of professional life, ensuring his work will continue to be relevant long after his passing.
