What's happened
Scott Adams, creator of the 'Dilbert' comic strip, has died at age 68. Known for satirizing office culture, Adams faced controversy over his political views, which led to the loss of many newspapers. He revealed his health was declining due to prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones.
What's behind the headline?
Scott Adams' death marks the end of a complex legacy rooted in satire and controversy. His work on 'Dilbert' defined a generation's view of corporate culture, but his later political statements, especially regarding race and social issues, significantly damaged his reputation and professional standing. The rapid decline of his career illustrates how political polarization can impact creative figures, especially when their views clash with mainstream norms. Adams' health decline and his final public moments reveal a man reflecting on a life of influence, controversy, and personal struggle. His death underscores the volatile intersection of art, politics, and social discourse in the digital age, foreshadowing ongoing debates about free speech and accountability in creative industries.
What the papers say
The articles from Ars Technica, Politico, AP News, AP News (second), and The Independent collectively portray Adams as a pioneering yet divisive figure. Ars Technica highlights his shift from satire to political commentary, noting how his controversial remarks led to the collapse of 'Dilbert' in mainstream outlets. Politico reports his ex-wife's announcement and details his health struggles, emphasizing the personal toll of his illness. AP News provides a comprehensive overview of his career achievements and the rapid fallout from his social media comments, illustrating the consequences of his outspoken views. The Independent echoes these points, emphasizing his influence and the swift professional decline following his controversial statements. While some sources defend his right to free speech, others criticize his comments as racially insensitive, reflecting the polarized reception of his legacy.
How we got here
Scott Adams gained fame with 'Dilbert,' a comic strip satirizing corporate office life, which appeared in 2,000 newspapers worldwide. He received the National Cartoonist Society’s Reuben Award in 1997 and was recognized as one of America's most influential figures. In recent years, Adams' political views and comments on race led to widespread cancellations and the end of his strip's syndication. He publicly announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025, which worsened over time, leading to hospice care before his death.
Go deeper
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Scott Raymond Adams (June 8, 1957 – January 13, 2026) was an American author and cartoonist. He was the creator of the Dilbert comic strip and nonfiction works of business, commentary, and satire.
Adams worked in various corporate roles before he became
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Dilbert is an American comic strip written and illustrated by Scott Adams, first published on April 16, 1989. It is known for its satirical office humor about a white-collar, micromanaged office with engineer Dilbert as the title character.