Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the “Dilbert” comic strip, has passed away at the age of 68 following a battle with aggressive prostate cancer. The announcement was made by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a live stream of his YouTube show, “Real Coffee with Scott Adams,” on October 3, 2023. In a touching tribute, Miles read a “final message” from Adams, where he reflected on his life, stating he had “an amazing life” and expressing his love for his audience until the end.
Adams had publicly shared his cancer diagnosis last year, revealing on his show that he had the same type of prostate cancer as U.S. President Joe Biden, which had also metastasized to his bones. His announcement came shortly after Biden disclosed his own health struggles.
In response to Adams’ passing, former President Donald Trump paid tribute, describing him as “a fantastic guy” who showed him respect when it was unpopular. Trump, posting on Truth Social, said, “He bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease. My condolences go out to his family, and all of his many friends and listeners. He will be truly missed. God bless you, Scott!”
Legacy of “Dilbert”
The “Dilbert” comic strip first debuted in 1989, quickly becoming a staple in newspapers worldwide and resonating with readers through its satirical take on office culture. Over the decades, it garnered a large following, but Adams faced significant backlash in 2023 when several major newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the USA Today network, ceased publication of his work due to statements Adams made that were condemned as racist and discriminatory. These comments included labelling Black individuals as members of a “hate group” and urging White individuals to “get the hell away from Black people.”
Following these controversies, Adams revealed in a YouTube video that he anticipated losing approximately 80% of his income from the comic strip due to the cancellations.
A Final Reflection
In the message shared by Miles, Adams expressed a desire to clarify his life’s journey. He noted that the early years of his life were dedicated to becoming a worthy husband and parent, which he viewed as a means to find purpose. Later, he transitioned from being known primarily as a cartoonist to an author aiming to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives.
“From that point on, I looked for ways I could add the most to peoples’ life, one way or another,” Adams wrote. His reflections highlight a man who, despite the challenges he faced, sought to leave a lasting impact on the world around him.
Scott Adams’ contributions to humor and commentary on workplace dynamics have left a significant mark in the realm of comic art, and his passing is felt deeply by fans and colleagues alike.
