Scott Adams, born June 8, 1957, is an American author and cartoonist best known for creating the “Dilbert” comic strip, which gained national and international popularity since its debut in 1989. Adams, who transitioned to full-time cartooning in 1995, writes satirical content about white-collar work culture.
In addition to “Dilbert,” he has authored books on business, politics, and spirituality, including “God’s Debris” and “Loserthink.” In 2023, “Dilbert” was dropped by many newspapers following controversial comments by Adams, leading him to continue the strip as “Dilbert Reborn” on his website.
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Scott Adams net worth
Scott Adams has a net worth of $20 million. During the height of his success in the 1990s and 2000s, he lived in San Francisco and Marin County. In 2009, he moved to Danville, California, in the East Bay, where he built a 7,000-square-foot mansion. The property includes an indoor basketball court, a one-acre backyard, a resort-style pool, and a Dilbert-shaped wall.
Early life
Scott Adams was born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, to Paul and Virginia Adams. Of mixed heritage including German, English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and Dutch, Adams initially believed he had Native American ancestry, but genetic testing later disproved this.
He started drawing comics at age 6 and won a drawing competition at 11. Adams graduated as valedictorian from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School in 1975, earned a BA in economics from Hartwick College in 1979, and an MBA from UC Berkeley in 1986.
Career
Scott Adams began working at Pacific Bell in 1986, where he created “Dilbert.” Despite early rejections from publications like “Playboy” and “The New Yorker,” he persisted, drawing each morning before work. “Dilbert” launched with United Media in 1989 and slowly gained traction, reaching 100 newspapers by 1991 and 400 by 1994.
By 1996, it was in 800 newspapers, leading Adams to leave Pacific Bell and focus on cartooning full-time. The strip’s popularity soared, winning awards and becoming globally syndicated. Adams faced controversy but “Dilbert” remains widely read.
Personal Life
Scott Adams, who suffers from focal dystonia affecting his drawing, now uses a graphics tablet. In July 2008, he underwent surgery for spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal cord disorder. He married Shelly Miles in July 2006 aboard a yacht, adopting her children, Savannah and Justin.
Tragically, Justin died of a fentanyl overdose in 2018. Adams and Miles divorced in 2014 but remain friends. Adams announced his engagement to model Kristina Basham on his podcast in December 2019, and they married on July 11, 2020. Basham has two children from a previous relationship.
What has happened to Dilbert?
Despite the controversies surrounding its creator, Dilbert remains a globally recognized comic strip. However, after the February 2023 incident, many newspapers dropped the comic. Adams subsequently relaunched Dilbert as a webcomic, ensuring its legacy continues online.
Conclusion:
Scott Adams, despite the controversies, remains a significant figure in the world of comics. His creation, Dilbert, reflects the humor and absurdities of office life, resonating with millions globally. Adams’ journey, from a corporate worker to a globally recognized cartoonist and commentator, is a testament to passion, dedication, and resilience.
FAQs about Scott Adams
Who is Scott?
- Scott Adams is the creator of the comic strip Dilbert.
What is Scott net worth?
- Scott Adams has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Has Dilbert been discontinued in newspapers?
- Yes, after a controversy in 2023, many newspapers dropped the comic.
What other ventures has Scott been involved in?
- Adams has ventured into food with Scott Adams Food, Inc. He’s also been on various talk shows and made several predictions in the political domain.
Is he married?
- Yes, as of 2023, Scott Adams is married to Kristina Basham.