‘Dilbert’ Cartonist Scott Adams of Pleasanton Passes Away at 68

Scott Adams, the renowned cartoonist behind the popular comic strip “Dilbert,” passed away at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. His ex-wife, Shelly Miles, shared the news during a livestream on the “Real Coffee With Scott Adams” podcast. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones shortly after entering hospice care.

Life and Career of Scott Adams

Adams, a resident of Pleasanton, California, achieved international fame for his satirical take on corporate culture through “Dilbert,” which he began in 1989. The comic strip grew to be published in over 2,000 newspapers during its peak, solidifying his status as a leading cartoonist.

In addition to “Dilbert,” Adams authored the book “Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don’t Matter,” which analyzed the persuasion techniques utilized during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. His background in business and finance significantly influenced the humor and themes present in his work.

Personal Struggles and Final Days

In May 2023, Scott Adams revealed his cancer diagnosis, matching the same type also diagnosed in President Joe Biden. He noted that the cancer had metastasized to his bones. In a final letter dated January 1, Adams expressed newfound faith in Christianity, a shift from his previous agnostic beliefs.

On social media, notable figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk honored Adams after his passing. Trump referred to him as a “great influencer” in American culture, while Musk remembered him as a “good and great man.”

Adams’ Polarizing Presence

While “Dilbert” earned acclaim for its humor and criticism of corporate bureaucracy, Adams became a controversial figure in recent years. His outspoken views, particularly his comments regarding race, led to a significant backlash. In 2023, he was dropped by hundreds of newspapers after making inflammatory remarks.

• Career Highlights:
  • Creator of “Dilbert” since 1989
  • Published in over 2,000 newspapers at peak
  • Author of “Win Bigly”
• Awards and Recognition:
  • Received the Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1998

In his earlier career, Adams worked in various roles in finance and technology, including time spent in banking. His experiences in corporate life heavily inspired the creation of “Dilbert.” Throughout his life, Adams contributed to the arts, engaging readers through both his comic and an active presence on social media.

Personal Life

Adams married Shelly Miles in 2006, adopting her two children, but they divorced amicably in 2014. He later married Kristina Basham in 2020. Tragically, his stepson Justin died of a fentanyl overdose in 2018, an event that profoundly impacted Adams.

As he reflected on his life, Adams emphasized his goal of sharing insights that could help others thrive personally and professionally. He stated, “By then, I believe I had enough life lessons that I could start passing them on.”

Scott Adams leaves behind a legacy as a pioneering voice in comic artistry and cultural commentary, blending humor with sharp insights into modern workplace life.

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