Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running comic strip Dilbert and an author and commentator whose work reached millions, has died at age 68 following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Adams had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 2025, explaining that the cancer had spread to his bones and that his condition was terminal. In recent weeks, he told followers that he was receiving hospice care at his home in Northern California.
News of Adams’ death was shared Tuesday through his livestream, Coffee With Scott Adams, where a prewritten final message dated January 1, 2026, was read aloud. In the message, Adams wrote that his “body failed before my brain,” emphasizing that he was of sound mind when writing it. He reflected on his life, his work, and the people who supported him, and encouraged readers who benefited from his work to “pay it forward.”
“Be useful,” Adams wrote, describing the principle he hoped would define his legacy.
Adams first gained national recognition with Dilbert, which debuted in 1989 and became a fixture in newspapers for its satirical portrayal of corporate office life. The strip resonated with readers for decades by highlighting the frustrations, absurdities, and humor of white-collar work.
Beyond comics, Adams authored several bestselling books, including How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Win Bigly, Loserthink, and Reframe Your Brain. His writing focused on persuasion, decision-making, and personal development, and he frequently heard from readers who said his work had a lasting impact on their lives.
He also built a large online following through Coffee With Scott Adams, a daily livestream and podcast where he discussed current events, communication, and how people interpret reality, often emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and perspective.
Following news of his death, tributes came from across the political and cultural spectrum. Elon Musk wrote on X that Adams was a “good and great man.” In a statement posted to Truth Social, President Donald Trump said Adams “bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease” and offered condolences to his family, friends, and listeners.
Scott Adams is remembered for his sharp observational humor, his exploration of how people think and communicate, and the broad cultural influence of his work across comics, books, and digital media.
