Tue Jan 13 18:11:00 UTC 2026: # “Dilbert” Creator Scott Adams Dies at 68
The Story
Scott Adams, the creator of the widely syndicated comic strip “Dilbert,” which humorously depicted the frustrations of white-collar workers, has died at the age of 68. Adams’ death was announced by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, via a livestream on Adams’ social media accounts. Adams had revealed in 2025 that he was battling prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and was in hospice care at his Northern California home. His comic strip was dropped from syndication in 2023 following racist remarks he made publicly.
Key Points
- Scott Adams, creator of “Dilbert,” has died at 68 from prostate cancer.
- The announcement was made by his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, on January 13, 2026.
- Adams revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2025.
- “Dilbert” was a globally popular comic strip, appearing in 2,000 newspapers, 70 countries, and 25 languages at its peak.
- Adams received the National Cartoonist Society’s Reuben Award in 1997.
- “Dilbert” became the first fictional character to make Time magazine’s list of the most influential Americans in 1997.
- Adams was dropped from syndication in 2023 for racist remarks.
Key Takeaways
- Scott Adams’ “Dilbert” resonated with a global audience by satirizing modern office culture.
- His career was marked by both significant success and subsequent controversy.
- The rapid decline in Adams’ public standing after his racist remarks shows the impact of social media and the hypersensitivity of society in recent years.
- His death marks the end of an era for a comic strip that profoundly influenced popular culture.
Impact Analysis
The death of Scott Adams invites reflection on the interplay of artistic expression, social commentary, and personal responsibility. “Dilbert’s” widespread appeal highlighted the shared anxieties of the modern workplace and provided a comedic outlet for these frustrations. However, Adams’ later statements and subsequent professional repercussions underscore the long-term impact of public discourse. His legacy is therefore complex, a blend of cultural influence and cautionary tale. The event is unlikely to have a continuing impact in the future.
First Piper 