Rob Grant, Visionary Co-Creator of Red Dwarf, Dies at 70

Rob Grant, a pioneering co-creator of the acclaimed British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, has passed away at the age of 70. His family announced his death on February 25, 2026. The news came just days after he revealed plans for a new prequel novel titled Red Dwarf: Titan.

Rob Grant’s Legacy in Comedy

Born in September 1955 in Salford, Greater Manchester, Rob Grant initially pursued a degree in Psychology at Liverpool University. In the 1980s, he met Doug Naylor, which sparked a creative partnership that would yield various successful projects.

Red Dwarf: The Beginning

The duo’s journey into television began with their work on Radio 4 comedies and television programs, including the puppet satire Spitting Image. Their breakthrough came through the sketch show Son Of Cliché, where they conceptualized a character called “Dave Hollins: Space Cadet.” This character eventually evolved into the creation of Red Dwarf, which premiered on BBC Two on February 15, 1988.

• Red Dwarf aired from 1988 to 1999.
• The series was revived by channel Dave from 2009 until 2020.
• It attracted an initial viewership of 4.75 million, growing to 8 million by its final series.

The Show’s Cast and Concept

Red Dwarf follows Dave Lister, portrayed by Craig Charles, who wakes from millions of years in suspended animation. He discovers he is the last human alive aboard a mining spaceship, alongside a hologram of his friend Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie) and other eccentric companions.

• Key characters include:
• Cat (Danny John-Jules): A lifeform evolved from Lister’s pet.
• Kryten (Robert Llewellyn): The sanitation droid.
• Holly (Norman Lovett): The ship’s computer.

Impact on Entertainment and Tributes

Grant’s contributions to the sci-fi genre have left a lasting impact. After the writing team of Grant and Naylor split in the 1990s, Grant continued to craft stories, collaborating with screenwriter Andrew Marshall on later works.

Many within the entertainment industry have paid tribute to Grant. Craig Charles reflected on the loss, expressing in a post on X, “He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A visionary. The impact he and Doug had on the course of my life is immeasurable.”

Rob Grant’s passing is mourned by family, friends, and fans worldwide. His vision and creativity continue to be celebrated through his work on Red Dwarf and beyond.