Red Dwarf’s ‘visionary’ co-creator Rob Grant dies aged 70
rob grant, the co-creator of the long-running sitcom Red Dwarf, has died aged 70, his family announced. A dedicated fan site shared a family statement saying he passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and the fan site briefly went down as fans sought more details.
Rob Grant and Doug Naylor
Rob Grant was known as the comedy writer who co-created Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor and who wrote regularly with Naylor for many years on Spitting Image. He and Doug were described as a "great double act" by a colleague who worked with them to write The Official Red Dwarf Companion and who said they were devoted to the art of making people laugh.
Fan site and family statement
A dedicated fan site, Ganymede & Titan, shared a message from Grant's family that read: "With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, February 25, 2026), a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world. " The fan site also posted its own tribute: "We’re in too much shock to add much else right now, other than to pass on our sympathies and love to Rob’s family, friends, colleagues and fans. This is devastating news, and for it to have happened within a week of his first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years being officially announced is just the sort of cruel twist of fate that Rob delighted in inventing. We'll have more to say over the coming days, weeks and months, to celebrate the life of a man whose imagination, creativity and humour was matched only by his kindness, friendliness and generosity. We will forever be grateful for the impact the world he co-created had on our lives, and honoured to have known him. " The fan site briefly went down at the time the news emerged, presumably because many fans were searching for more information.
Tributes from colleagues
Liverpool DJ and actor Craig Charles, who played Dave Lister, took to social media on Thursday afternoon (February 26) to share his shock and heartbreak: "Earlier today I was informed of the passing of @realrobgrant. I am in total shock. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A visionary. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The impact he and Doug had on the course of my life is immeasurable RIP ROB. " Actor Cameron Yarde wrote: "RIP Rob Grant. Co-creator of Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor, wrote for Spitting Image with Doug in its early years including The Chicken Song and wrote on the excellent Carrott's Lib. That's not just a career, that's a legacy. " The Official Red Dwarf Facebook page wrote: "We are devastated to learn of Rob’s passing and send love to his family and friends. He will always live on through his amazing creativity, storytelling and humour. Travel well, Sir. "
Public reaction and comments
Many fans and colleagues added short messages beneath the social-posted tributes. Stuart wrote: "Incredibly sad news. " Steve posted: "Oh no, condolences to all of the Red Dwarf folks. " Matthew offered: "This was totally unexpected, condolences to his family and to you and your colleagues. " Chantal said: "I’m very sad to hear that, and I’m sorry for your and the red dwarf posse’s loss. " Chris wrote: "So sad, what a gift Rob and Doug gave to the world with Dwarf. RIP. " Another Rob commented: "Incredibly sad news. He gave us all a wonderful reason to laugh for which we'll be forever grateful. Thoughts with his family and friends. RIP. " Alan added: "Sad news. Thank you Rob, Rest in Peace. " Greg posted: "Such sad news, sorry for your loss, thank you for the laughs @realrobgrant RIP. "
Red Dwarf’s origins and run
Red Dwarf began life as a sketch on the radio show Son of Cliche and launched in 1988. The series followed Dave’s adventures as the last living human aboard the Red Dwarf mining spaceship after he awakens three million years after suspended animation. The show made stars of Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn and Danny John-Jules, as well as Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovett. It started on the, later moved to Dave in 2009, and ran across 12 seasons and two specials, Back to Earth and The Promised Land, attracting large, devoted audiences.
Works, early jobs and upcoming novel
Grant wrote other television series including The Strangerers and Dark Ages and authored a number of novels. One of his early jobs was writing for Jasper Carrot’s show Carrott's Lib. He was also one of the main writers on Spitting Image for many years. His first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years, Titan, co-credited to Andrew Marshall, had recently been announced and was due to be published in July. The family has not made a cause of death public.
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Grant was 70 and is survived by family, friends and the many colleagues and fans who have paid tribute to his creativity and humour.
