The world of satire and cartooning is in mourning following the death of Scott Adams, the creator of the iconic Dilbert comic strip. Adams passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68 after a public and courageous battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
A Nation Pays Tribute to a 'Great Influencer'
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief from public figures, most notably former US President Donald Trump. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump led the tributes, honouring Adams as a 'Great Influencer'.
'He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn’t fashionable to do so,' Trump wrote, sharing an image of the pair in the Oval Office. He extended his condolences to Adams's family and many friends, adding, 'He bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease... He will be truly missed.'
The sentiment was echoed by other prominent conservative voices. Elon Musk expressed his disbelief on X, while commentators like Dave Rubin and Jack Posobiec praised Adams's wisdom, decency, and patriotism. Podcaster Matt Walsh highlighted how Adams 'died well', facing his end with clarity and courage.
A Public and Heartbreaking Final Journey
Adams first revealed his diagnosis in May 2025 and had been candidly updating his followers on his deteriorating health via his popular podcast, 'Real Coffee With Scott Adams'. His condition worsened significantly by December, when he revealed the cancer had spread, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
In a poignant final act, his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death on his podcast, reading a heartbreaking final message Adams had prepared for his fans. 'If you are reading this, things did not go well for me,' the message began. 'I have a few things to say before I go. My body failed before my brain.'
Amid his struggle, Adams had made a public appeal for help accessing a new FDA-approved drug called Pluvicto in November, claiming his healthcare provider had 'dropped the ball'. The appeal reached the White House, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responding, though Adams's health continued to decline.
Legacy of a Controversial Satirist
Adams launched Dilbert in 1989, building a global following with its sharp satire of corporate office life. In his later years, he became an outspoken conservative figure, often discussing political issues on his podcast. This shift culminated in 2023 when dozens of newspapers dropped the Dilbert strip after he introduced anti-woke plotlines.
His final message also touched on a personal spiritual reckoning. While admitting he still saw himself as an atheist, he stated, 'I accept Jesus Christ as my lord and saviour,' calling it a pragmatic 'risk reward calculation.' He reflected on finding meaning earlier in life through being a worthy husband and parent.
In an update earlier this month, after entering hospice care, Adams was characteristically direct about his prognosis, telling listeners, 'the odds of me recovering are essentially zero'. Scott Adams's voice, both through his pen and his podcast, was a unique force in American culture—one that will be profoundly missed by friends, fans, and critics alike.
