Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, dies at 68

By 
, January 14, 2026

Scott Adams, the mind behind the beloved Dilbert comic strip, has left an indelible mark on both humor and political discourse, only to pass away at the age of 68.

Adams died on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after a battle with metastasized prostate cancer. Earlier in January, he shared that remission was no longer possible and anticipated his passing within the month. His death followed a significant personal moment, as he converted to Christianity on January 12, 2026, just a day before his passing, with a final message read by his ex-wife.

Until the week before his death, Adams remained active, hosting his widely followed podcast, "Coffee with Scott Adams." He was known not only as the creator of Dilbert but also as a sharp political commentator who offered early insights into the Trump phenomenon as far back as 2015. His passing leaves a , void in conservative intellectual circles.

Remembering a Cultural and Political Icon

The news of Adams’ death has sparked reflection across the spectrum, especially among those who valued his unapologetic takes on modern society. His ability to dissect why people think and act as they do made him more than just a cartoonist—he was a philosopher of the everyday, Breitbart News reported. Many saw him as a voice of reason in a world often clouded by progressive overreach.

“Sadly, the Great Influencer, Scott Adams, has passed away,” said President Donald Trump in a statement. “He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn’t fashionable to do so.” That respect, many argue, stemmed from Adams’ knack for seeing political currents before they became waves, like his accurate prediction of Trump’s 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton.

Adams didn’t just affirm beliefs; his daily podcast dug into the psychology behind events, challenging listeners to question surface narratives. This wasn’t about cheerleading for any one side but about understanding human behavior in a way that cut through ideological noise. His clarity is something sorely missed already.

A Final Message of Faith and Farewell

On January 1, 2026, Adams penned a final message, read posthumously by his ex-wife, revealing a profound personal shift. “If you are reading this, things did not go well for me,” he wrote. “I have a few things to say before I go.”

“My body failed before my brain,” Adams continued. “I am of sound mind as I write this January 1st, 2026. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and look forward to spending an eternity with Him.”

This late conversion to Christianity, just a day before his death, adds a layer of poignancy to his departure. For a man who spent decades analyzing human motives with a skeptic’s eye, this final act suggests a search for deeper meaning amid suffering. It’s a reminder that even the sharpest minds grapple with life’s ultimate questions.

Leaving a Gap in Conservative Thought

Adams’ political commentary, active until his last days, often cut against the grain of mainstream narratives. His early recognition of Trump’s appeal wasn’t just punditry—it was a window into the frustrations of millions who felt ignored by elitist rhetoric. That insight made him a cornerstone for many in the MAGA community.

His passing is being compared to the losses of other conservative luminaries like Rush Limbaugh. The gap he leaves isn’t just intellectual but cultural, as few could blend humor with hard-hitting analysis as Adams did through Dilbert and beyond. It’s a tough void to fill in an era of soundbites over substance.

Adams’ podcast, "Coffee with Scott Adams," was a daily ritual for many seeking context over clickbait. Unlike much of today’s media, which often panders to outrage or agenda, his focus on why people believe what they do offered a refreshing lens. It’s hard to imagine mornings without that dose of clarity.

A Legacy of Humor and Hard Truths

The Dilbert comic strip, with its biting satire of corporate absurdity, remains Adams’ most visible legacy. But his influence stretched far beyond cubicle humor to challenge the assumptions of a society increasingly dictated by progressive mandates. His wit was a weapon against complacency.

For those who followed him, Adams was a guide through the maze of modern politics and culture. His predictions, like Trump’s 2016 win, weren’t just lucky guesses but the result of understanding human nature better than most pollsters. That’s a rare gift, now gone.

As we reflect on Scott Adams’ life, from cartoonist to commentator to philosopher, his battle with cancer and final embrace of faith stand as testaments to a complex man. His voice, whether through Dilbert’s sarcasm or podcast musings, shaped how many saw the world. Though he’s left us, the echoes of his insights will linger for years to come.

" A free people [claim] their rights, as derived from the laws of nature."
Thomas Jefferson