Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the comic strip “Dilbert,” has died at the age of 68 following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. The announcement of his passing was made via his YouTube channel on Tuesday. Adams had been a prominent figure in the world of cartooning for over three decades, with his work shaping perceptions of corporate culture.
Adams revealed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, shortly after former President Joe Biden disclosed his own diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. On a livestream, Adams stated, “I have the same cancer Joe Biden has. I also have prostate cancer that has also spread to my bones.” He had a grim outlook on his condition, noting that the cancer was not curable once it had spread beyond the prostate. Despite this prognosis, Adams continued to engage with his audience until just days before his death, livestreaming from his hospital bed during radiation treatment.
Early Life and Career
Born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, Adams showed an early passion for drawing. He graduated as valedictorian from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School and earned a degree in economics from Hartwick College. He later obtained a master’s in business administration from UC Berkeley. His early career included roles at Crocker National Bank and Pacific Bell, experiences that would inform his satirical portrayal of corporate life in “Dilbert,” which launched in 1989.
At its peak, “Dilbert” was featured in over 2,000 publications across 57 countries, making it a staple of workplace humor. Adams received the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award in 1997, the highest honor in the industry. In addition to comic compilations, he authored several business books, including “Win Bigly” and “How to Lose Almost Every Time and Still Win Big.” His insights on productivity and corporate culture resonated with a wide audience, leading to significant sales of related merchandise.
Controversy and Cancellation
In February 2023, Adams faced severe backlash after comments made during a livestream were interpreted as racist. He had responded to a poll regarding the statement “It’s OK to be white,” leading to a controversial interpretation of his remarks. Adams suggested that if nearly half of Black respondents disagreed with the statement, that constituted a “hate group.” This led to swift repercussions, with numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, dropping “Dilbert” from their comics. His syndicator ended their association with him, and Penguin Random House canceled the publication of his upcoming book, “Reframe Your Brain.”
Following the fallout, Adams attempted to clarify his comments, emphasizing that he was using hyperbole to convey his points about individual treatment and statistical caution. Despite the controversy, he later self-published “Reframe Your Brain” in August 2023, dedicating it to his supporters.
Even after his professional exile from mainstream media, Adams maintained a dedicated audience on his YouTube channel, with his daily livestreams attracting tens of thousands of viewers. His unique blend of humor and commentary continued to engage fans until his final days.
Scott Adams leaves behind a complex legacy as both a pioneering cartoonist and a polarizing figure in contemporary discourse. His work and the conversations he sparked will likely continue to resonate far beyond his passing.
