Scott Adams, the American cartoonist best known for creating the long running comic strip Dilbert, died at the age of 68 following a prolonged battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by family members on Tuesday. Adams had spoken publicly over the past year about suffering from advanced prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
Adams launched Dilbert in 1989, turning everyday corporate life into sharp, relatable satire. The strip quickly gained popularity among office goers for its humour on workplace politics, jargon and dysfunctional management. At its peak, Dilbert was syndicated in thousands of newspapers across the world and adapted into books, calendars and a television series.
For many readers, Dilbert became a defining commentary on corporate culture in the 1990s and early 2000s. Adams also enjoyed commercial success with books such as The Dilbert Principle, which expanded on the comic’s themes and became a bestseller. His work earned him a loyal following that spanned decades.
However, Adams’ later years were marked by controversy. In 2023, several major newspapers dropped Dilbert after Adams made racially offensive remarks during an online livestream. The comments triggered widespread criticism and led to the comic being removed from numerous publications. Adams defended his statements at the time, but the backlash significantly altered how he was perceived in public discourse.
Reactions to his death have reflected that divide. While many readers expressed nostalgia for the comic that mirrored their professional lives, others pointed to the damage caused by his remarks in recent years. On social media, tributes were mixed, with praise for his early work alongside criticism of his later views.
Adams leaves behind a body of work that influenced workplace humour for a generation. His death closes a complicated chapter in popular culture, one that combined creative impact with personal controversy. How Dilbert is remembered may depend on which part of that journey readers choose to hold on to.
