Scott Adams, the creator of the iconic comic strip “Dilbert”, passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with metastatic prostate cancer. The announcement was made on October 3, 2023, through Adams’ YouTube channel, where he had been actively engaging with his audience until the day before his death. Known for his sharp wit and unconventional political views, Adams was a significant figure in American pop culture for over three decades.
Adams revealed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, shortly after Joe Biden announced his own Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis. In a candid livestream, he shared, “Some of you have already guessed, so this won’t surprise you at all, but I have the same cancer Joe Biden has.” He described his condition, stating, “If it’s localized … it’s 100% curable. But if it leaves your prostate … it is 100% not curable.” Despite his diagnosis, Adams continued to livestream from his hospital bed, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with his audience.
Born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, Adams developed a passion for drawing at an early age. He excelled academically, becoming valedictorian of his high school, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hartwick College. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in business administration from UC Berkeley. Before launching his cartooning career, Adams held various corporate jobs, experiences that would later inspire the workplace culture depicted in “Dilbert”.
Launching in 1989, “Dilbert” quickly gained popularity, appearing in over 2,000 newspapers across 57 countries and 19 languages at its peak. Adams received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1997. His work extended beyond comics, with bestselling books such as “Win Bigly” and “How to Lose Almost Every Time and Still Win Big.”
In early February 2023, Adams faced significant backlash following comments made during a livestream that many interpreted as racist. He referenced a poll indicating that a portion of Black respondents disagreed with the statement “It’s OK to be white.” His subsequent remarks prompted several media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, to sever ties with him. His syndicator dropped “Dilbert”, and Penguin Random House canceled the publication of his upcoming book, “Reframe Your Brain.”
Following the fallout, Adams defended his comments, suggesting that media coverage had misrepresented his statements. He described his remarks as hyperbole meant to provoke thought rather than to incite hatred. He later self-published “Reframe Your Brain” in August 2023, dedicating it to his supporters.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Adams maintained a dedicated following. His daily livestreams continued to attract tens of thousands of viewers, showcasing his resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Scott Adams leaves behind a complex legacy, marked by both creative genius and contentious public discourse. His work and the conversations it sparked will likely remain influential in discussions about workplace culture and free speech.
