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By Gabe Whisnant
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Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip “Dilbert,” has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, his ex-wife announced Tuesday. Adams launched “Dilbert” in 1989, and the satirical workplace strip became a global phenomenon, appearing in thousands of newspapers.
Earlier this month, Adams shared an update on his battle with cancer saying “it’s all bad news” and the chances of him recovering are “essentially zero.”
The cartoonist, who revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones last year, shared the health update during a livestream of his show “Real Coffee with Scott Adams” broadcast on Rumble on New Year's Day.
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In recent years, Adams remained in the public eye through commentary on political and social issues, drawing both large online followings and public criticism for his views, particularly on race, gender and politics. In 2023, Dilbert was dropped by newspapers across the US in the wake of a livestream when he urged white Americans to "get the hell away from Black people", citing a questionable poll. He defended his remarks as "obvious hyperbole" and said he was highlighting racial tensions in America.
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When Was 'Dilbert' Created?
Adams was one of the most recognized American cartoonists due to the popularity of “Dilbert,” which since its debut in 1989 has appeared in thousands of publications worldwide, and won praise for tapping into the everyday absurdities of American corporate life.
When Was Scott Adams Diagnosed with Cancer?
He provided updates on his battle with cancer since first revealing the news last May saying "my life expectancy is maybe this summer." A vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, in November, he appealed publicly for help in securing timely cancer treatment with the FDA-approved medication Pluvicto. Trump responded: “On it!” after Adams made a direct appeal on social media.
The president paid tribute to Adams in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, writing, "Sadly, the Great Influencer, Scott Adams, has passed away. He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. 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!"
The White House X account also shared a cartoon image of "Dilbert" standing alongside Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
When Was Scott Adams Married?
Adams married Shelly Miles aboard the yacht Galaxy Commodore on July 22, 2006, in San Francisco Bay, in a ceremony led by the ship’s captain. The two met at a gym in Pleasanton, California, where Miles worked and Adams was a customer. Adams became stepfather to Miles’ two children, Savannah and Justin; Justin died of a fentanyl overdose in 2018 at age 18. The couple divorced in 2014 but remained friends, with Miles moving a block away after their separation.
Updates: 1/13/26, 4:24 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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