Renowned cartoonist Scott Adams, known for his iconic comic strip “Dilbert” that humorously depicted the struggles of office workers, has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death was shared by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a live stream on Adams’s social media accounts. Adams had been battling prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and was under hospice care at his Northern California home.
In its prime, “Dilbert” was featured in 2,000 newspapers globally, reaching audiences in over 70 countries and 25 languages. Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonist Society in 1997, and “Dilbert” made history by being the first fictional character to be included in Time magazine’s list of the most influential Americans.
Following controversial remarks in 2023, where Adams made racially charged comments, he faced severe backlash leading to the termination of his syndication and distribution deals. Despite the fallout, Adams relaunched his comic strip as “Dilbert Reborn” on the video platform Rumble and continued to engage with his followers through a podcast called “Real Coffee with Scott Adams.”
Over the years, “Dilbert” resonated with readers globally, offering a satirical take on office dynamics and corporate culture. Adams, who began his career while working at a telephone company in the 1980s, created characters like Dilbert’s clueless boss, Wally the slacker, and the cynical Dogbert. The strip became known for its witty observations on workplace absurdities and introduced the concept of the “Dilbert Principle.”
Despite his professional success, Adams faced criticism for his controversial views on various subjects, leading to a decline in his public image. However, his impact on the world of comics and satire remains undeniable, with fans remembering him for his unique perspective and humor.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Adams, acknowledging him as a significant influencer and praising his courage in battling illness. The legacy of Scott Adams and his creation, “Dilbert,” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
