Scott Adams, the cartoonist best known for creating the iconic comic strip “Dilbert,” has died at the age of 68 following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. The announcement was made on October 3, 2023, through Adams’ YouTube channel, where he had continued to engage with his audience almost until his passing.
After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in May 2025, Adams openly discussed his condition, drawing parallels with former President Joe Biden, who also has prostate cancer. In a livestream, he mentioned, “There’s something you need to know about prostate cancer… If it leaves your prostate and spreads to other parts of your body … it is 100% not curable.” Despite his prognosis, which suggested he might have only until that summer, Adams continued to livestream from his hospital bed as he underwent treatment.
Born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, Adams began drawing cartoons at just six years old. After excelling academically, he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hartwick College and later an MBA from UC Berkeley. He worked in various corporate roles, including at Crocker National Bank and Pacific Bell, before launching “Dilbert” in 1989. The comic strip quickly gained popularity, appearing in over 2,000 outlets across 57 countries and 19 languages.
The strip became a cultural staple, often reflecting the absurdities of corporate life. Adams received the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award in 1997, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. His success extended beyond comics, with more than 20 million calendars and books in print, including titles like “Win Bigly” and “How to Lose Almost Every Time and Still Win Big.”
In February 2023, Adams faced public backlash after comments he made during a livestream were interpreted as racist. He discussed a poll about the statement “It’s OK to be white,” leading to widespread criticism. Following these remarks, several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, discontinued publication of “Dilbert,” and his book “Reframe Your Brain” was pulled by Penguin Random House.
Adams later described his comments as hyperbole, asserting that he was misunderstood. He claimed his intention was to encourage treating individuals as individuals and avoiding statistically risky situations. Despite his cancellation from mainstream media, Adams remained active on YouTube, where his livestreams drew tens of thousands of viewers.
In August 2023, he self-published “Reframe Your Brain,” dedicating it to his supporters. Throughout his career, Adams’ work sparked conversations about workplace culture and societal issues, making him a contentious yet influential figure. His legacy will be remembered through his contributions to humor and commentary on modern life, as well as the cultural impact of “Dilbert.”
