Cartoonist Scott Adams, creator of ‘Dilbert,’ has died at the age of 68.
Scott Adams, the renowned cartoonist and creator of the widely recognized “Dilbert” comic strip, has passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. His ex-wife, Shelly Miles, confirmed the news in a statement shared on Tuesday. The announcement included a heartfelt message that Adams had prepared prior to his death during his YouTube live stream, “Coffee with Scott Adams.” In this message, he reflected on his life and expressed his gratitude, stating he had given everything he had to his craft.
Adams had been open about his health struggles, frequently providing updates on his condition as it progressed to stage four and metastasized to his bones. In May, he had indicated a grim prognosis, sharing with fans that he anticipated not surviving the summer. Nevertheless, he continued to exceed expectations with the support of his admirers, including members of the Trump Administration. In November, following his outreach, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded affirmatively, indicating a willingness to assist him with expedited treatment options.
Despite his challenges, Adams maintained a poignant connection with his audience. On a Monday video conference posted on social media, he candidly noted that he was nearing the end of his life. Reports indicated that Adams had entered hospice care, with his ex-wife revealing that he had only days left.
Born the middle child in a family with a postal worker and a real estate agent, Adams found inspiration in his childhood idol, Charles Schulz, the genius behind “Peanuts.” He was recognized as his high school valedictorian before pursuing higher education in economics at Hartwick College and later mastering business at the Haas School of Business in California.
Adams gained fame with “Dilbert,” which debuted in 1989 and humorously critiqued corporate culture and office life. However, his career faced significant upheaval in March 2023 when his comments regarding race led to the withdrawal of his comic strip from many publications. Adams controversially described Black people as a “hate group,” which sparked widespread backlash and prompted media outlets to sever ties with him.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Adams encouraged fans to reach out to his biographer, sharing how his work may have influenced their lives. His eventual passing marks the end of a notable chapter in the world of comic artistry, one that intertwined humor with commentary on the complexities of American life.
As the news of his death reverberates through social media and news outlets, Adams’ legacy as a provocative and sometimes controversial figure in American culture endures, leaving behind a mixed legacy of artistic contribution and contentious dialogue. Media News Source.
