TL;DR
Scott Adams, the cartoonist behind Dilbert, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones. His ex-wife confirmed his death during a livestream and read a final note in which Adams addressed his faith and legacy.
What happened
Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, died at the age of 68, his ex-wife Shelly Miles announced during a livestream on Jan. 13. Adams had disclosed in May that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that later spread to his bones. On a New Year’s Day broadcast of his show he told viewers his chance of recovery was "essentially zero." Following the announcement of his death, Miles read a letter Adams wrote on New Year’s Day in which he reflected on his life, addressed questions about his choices and estate, and said he had embraced Christianity after discussions with friends despite previously describing himself as not a believer. Adams asked followers to "pay it forward" and described wanting to be useful as part of his legacy. His work on Dilbert, which began in 1989 and won industry recognition, had seen wide global syndication before controversy in 2023 led many newspapers to drop the strip; the comic later reappeared online as a webcomic.
Why it matters
- Adams' death closes the life chapter of a widely syndicated cartoonist whose work shaped corporate satire in late 20th-century newspapers.
- The story underlines the lasting effects of public controversies on an artist’s career: major publishers cut ties in 2023 after his comments, altering the strip’s distribution.
- His final public statements — on faith, legacy and estate decisions — may influence how audiences and publishers remember and discuss his work.
- The shift of Dilbert from newspaper syndication to a paid web platform illustrates broader media changes for legacy comics and creators.
Key facts
- Age at death: 68.
- Death confirmed Jan. 13 by ex-wife Shelly Miles during a livestream of Real Coffee with Scott Adams.
- Adams disclosed in May that he had prostate cancer which had metastasized to his bones.
- On New Year’s Day he told viewers his recovery prospects were "essentially zero."
- Miles read a New Year’s Day letter Adams wrote that said he had accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior and addressed his estate and legacy.
- Dilbert debuted in 1989 and won the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award in 1997.
- By 2013 Dilbert was reportedly in about 2,000 newspapers across roughly 65 countries and had been translated into about 25 languages.
- In 2023 numerous newspapers, including outlets in the USA TODAY Network, stopped running Dilbert after Adams made widely criticized racial remarks; he later moved the strip to a Locals-hosted webcomic called Daily Dilbert Reborn.
- USA TODAY reported reaching out to Adams’ representatives for comment.
What to watch next
- Further statements or an official obituary from Adams’ representatives or family: not confirmed in the source.
- Details on any public memorial, funeral arrangements or estate proceedings: not confirmed in the source.
- Responses from publishers, the Locals platform or syndication partners about the strip’s future and rights: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Syndication: The distribution of content (such as comic strips) to multiple newspapers or outlets for publication.
- Webcomic: A comic published primarily on the internet, often directly by its creator or on a hosting platform.
- Reuben Award: An annual prize given by the National Cartoonists Society for outstanding cartooning work.
- Prostate cancer: A form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland; it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, including bones.
- Livestream: A real-time broadcast over the internet that allows people to view and often interact as events occur.
Reader FAQ
When was Scott Adams' death announced?
His ex-wife Shelly Miles announced his death during a livestream on Jan. 13.
What illness did he have?
Adams had prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, a diagnosis he disclosed in May.
What did Adams say about his recovery?
On New Year’s Day he said his chances of recovery were "essentially zero."
Why did many newspapers stop running Dilbert in 2023?
Numerous outlets dropped the strip after Adams made racially charged remarks that led publishers, including some in the USA TODAY Network, to cease running his work.
CELEBRITIES Dilbert Add Topic 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after prostate cancer battle Edward Segarra USA TODAY Updated Jan. 13, 2026, 12:06 p.m. ET Unmute 0:00 / 1:49…
Sources
- 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after prostate cancer battle
- Scott Adams, Dilbert comic strip creator, dies at age 68 …
- 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after prostate …
- Scott Adams dead: 'Dilbert' cartoonist and author was 68
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