Scott Adams, the creator of the iconic comic strip “Dilbert,” passed away on October 3, 2023, at the age of 68. Adams had been battling prostate cancer for several years. The announcement of his death was made through a statement he had prepared, which was read by his ex-wife, Shelly Adams, during a livestream event. In his statement, Adams reflected on his life, saying, “I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had.”
“Dilbert” made its debut in 1989, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Drawing on his experiences as a bank teller and a manager at Pacific Bell, Adams used humor to critique corporate culture, middle management, and the absurdities of office life. What began as lighthearted doodles transformed into a successful franchise, including multiple books, a short-lived animated series, and even a brief foray into the food industry with a burrito line. At its peak in 2013, “Dilbert” was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers.
Contrastingly, the comic faced significant challenges in 2023 when Adams made controversial comments during a podcast, referring to Black Americans as a “hate group” after discussing a poll by Rasmussen Reports. This led to the loss of more than half of his syndication contracts, sparking widespread criticism. Adams later described his remarks as “hyperbole,” but they were not his first contentious statements. In 2006, he questioned the Holocaust death toll on his blog, and in 2011, he made comments regarding societal treatment of women, likening it to how children and the mentally handicapped are treated.
Adams was an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump. Reflecting on the repercussions of his conservative views, he expressed in October that he sacrificed much for his beliefs, stating, “I sacrificed everything. I sacrificed my social life. I sacrificed my career. I sacrificed my reputation. I may have sacrificed my health. And I did that because I believed it was worth it.”
Following Adams’ death, Donald Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to pay tribute. He described Adams as a “fantastic guy” who “will be truly missed,” acknowledging the personal and professional battles Adams faced during his illness. Trump extended his condolences to Adams’ family and friends, highlighting the impact the comic creator had on his audience.
Throughout his career, Scott Adams was a polarizing figure, known for both his sharp wit and his controversial opinions. His work in “Dilbert” left an indelible mark on the landscape of comic strips and corporate commentary, making him a notable figure in both entertainment and public discourse. As fans and critics reflect on his legacy, Adams will be remembered for his unique voice in capturing the absurdities of modern work life.
