Rob Grant, Visionary Co-Creator of Cult Sci-Fi Sitcom Red Dwarf, Dies at 70
Rob Grant, the celebrated co-creator of the much-loved science-fiction sitcom Red Dwarf, has died at the age of 70. His passing was announced by his family in a statement released on Thursday, 26 February 2026, confirming he died suddenly the previous afternoon.
A Legacy of Laughter and Innovation
Grant, alongside his writing partner Doug Naylor, created Red Dwarf in 1988, a groundbreaking British comedy series that first aired on BBC Two. The show ran until 1999 and was later revived by channel Dave from 2009 to 2020, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humour and sci-fi adventure.
The sitcom followed the misadventures of Dave Lister, a low-ranking technician played by Craig Charles, who awakens from millions of years in suspended animation to find himself the last human alive. His companions include a hologram of his bunkmate Arnold Rimmer, the evolved lifeform Cat, the sanitation droid Kryten, and the ship's computer Holly, creating an iconic ensemble that defined a generation of comedy fans.
Family Announcement and Fan Tributes
In a heartfelt statement to the Red Dwarf fan site Ganymede & Titan, Grant's family expressed their deep sorrow: "With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon, a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world."
Tributes poured in from the entertainment community, with Craig Charles leading the outpouring of grief on social media. Charles wrote: "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."
From Psychology Student to Comedy Pioneer
Born in Salford, Greater Manchester in September 1955, Grant studied Psychology at Liverpool University before embarking on a career in comedy. He met Doug Naylor in the 1980s, and the duo collaborated on various Radio 4 comedies and television shows, including the satirical puppet programme Spitting Image and projects with stand-up comedian Jasper Carrott.
Their creative partnership flourished when they developed a character called "Dave Hollins: Space Cadet" for the Radio 4 sketch show Son Of Cliché. This concept evolved into Red Dwarf, which debuted on BBC television on 15 February 1988, attracting 4.75 million viewers. By the time the final series aired in 1999, viewership had soared to 8 million, cementing its status as a cult classic.
Literary Contributions and Creative Evolution
Beyond television, Grant and Naylor published several Red Dwarf novels under the joint pseudonym "Grant Naylor." The writing team parted ways in the 1990s due to creative differences, after which Grant collaborated with screenwriter Andrew Marshall on more recent literary projects.
Just days before his death, Grant had announced the forthcoming publication of a new Red Dwarf prequel novel, titled Red Dwarf: Titan, highlighting his enduring connection to the franchise he helped create.
Rob Grant's sudden passing marks the end of an era for British comedy, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, humour, and visionary storytelling that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
