Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running comic strip Dilbert and a prominent voice in business and media commentary, has died at the age of 68, his former wife and caregiver Shelly Miles announced Tuesday during his online program.
“He’s not with us anymore,” Miles told listeners at the start of the broadcast, confirming Adams’ death and sharing a final message he prepared for his audience. According to Miles, Adams remained mentally sharp until the end and was determined to clarify his state of mind as his health deteriorated.
Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, dies at age 68
In a statement read on his behalf, Adams addressed his fans directly. “If you’re reading this, things did not go well for me,” the message said. “My body fell before my brain. I am of sound mind as I write this January 1, 2026.” He added that any decisions regarding his estate or personal affairs were made freely and without outside influence, a point he emphasized as his illness progressed.
Adams rose to international prominence in the 1990s with Dilbert, a comic strip that skewered office culture, corporate bureaucracy, and the everyday frustrations of white-collar work. The strip resonated with millions of readers and became a cultural touchstone for professionals who saw their own experiences reflected in its humor. At its peak, Dilbert appeared in thousands of newspapers worldwide and was adapted into books, calendars, and a television series.
Beyond cartooning, Adams built a significant following through his online show Real Coffee with Scott Adams, where he discussed business, persuasion, media, and current events. He was also the author of several books, most notably How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big (2013), which became one of the most influential and commercially successful business titles of the past decade, praised for its unconventional approach to success and personal development.
Why did he die?
Adams publicly revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the time, he told viewers that he was in constant pain and had relied on a walker for months, while continuing to work and communicate with his audience.
His death marks the end of a career that blended satire, entrepreneurship, and commentary, leaving a lasting imprint on workplace humor and modern business culture.
