Scott Adams: A Tribute to the Mind Behind "Dilbert"

Scott Adams, the influential cartoonist renowned for the iconic comic strip Dilbert, has passed away at the age of 68 after a valiant fight against prostate cancer. The news of his death was shared on the podcast Real Coffee With Scott Adams by his first ex-wife and caregiver, Shelly Miles, who poignantly stated, “Unfortunately, this isn’t good news.”

Adams’ Legacy in Satirical Commentary

Adams’ Dilbert debuted in 1989 while he was working as an applications engineer at Pacific Bell in California. Inspired by his own uninspiring corporate experiences, he crafted a relatable world around a socially awkward engineer and his equally absurd colleagues.

Key Milestones:

• Peak Popularity: At its height, Dilbert was featured in over 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries, translated into 25 languages, and had an estimated daily readership of 150 million.
• Cultural Impact: Adams noted, “Basically, there are 25 million people out there, living in cardboard boxes indoors, and there was no voice for them,” highlighting Dilbert’s role in giving a voice to the everyday struggles of white-collar workers.

Health Update and Final Reflections

In May, Adams disclosed that he was battling prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. Just before the announcement of his passing, he prepared a final message for his audience, stating, “If you’re reading this, things did not go well for me.” His message culminated in a declaration of faith: “I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and look forward to spending an eternity with Him.”

The Growth of the Dilbert Franchise

Beyond the comic strip, Adams expanded his reach by publishing various books, including:

• "Always Postpone Meetings With Time-Wasting Morons" (1992)
• "The Dilbert Principle" (Best-seller)

Additionally, Dilbert was adapted into an animated series that aired on UPN for two seasons, featuring talented voice actors such as Daniel Stern and Jason Alexander.

Early Life and Career Background

Born in Windham, New York, in 1957, Adams began his artistic journey at a young age, influenced by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. He graduated with a BA in economics from Hartwick College and later acquired an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Career Highlights:

• Corporate Roles: Adams worked various positions at Crocker National Bank from 1979 to 1986, including teller and computer programmer, before channeling his corporate insights into his comic strip.

A New Chapter in Political Commentary

In his later years, Scott Adams transitioned to political commentary, notably predicting Donald Trump’s rise during the 2015 Republican presidential primary debate. Although he identified as politically complex—claiming, “I’m further left than Bernie Sanders”—Adams controversially endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016 while later analyzing Trump’s presidency.

Personal Life and Relationships

Scott Adams married Shelly Miles in 2006; they divorced in 2014 but maintained a close friendship. He was a stepfather to her children, Savannah and Justin, the latter of whom tragically passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2018. Adams briefly married Kristina Basham, but they divorced in 2022.

Conclusion

Scott Adams leaves behind an indelible legacy through Dilbert, a strip that encapsulated the quirks of modern corporate life. His reflections and observations continue to resonate with millions, making him a cherished figure in both the world of comics and beyond.

For more insights on Scott Adams and a deep dive into his life, check out The New York Times, which features extensive interviews and retrospectives on his influence in both the comic and political arenas.