Net Worth Ranker
What Is Scott Adams’ Net Worth?
Scott Adams, the creator of the widely syndicated comic strip “Dilbert,” has accumulated a net worth estimated at $20 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to the success of “Dilbert,” which at its peak, was featured in over 2,000 newspapers across nearly 60 countries and translated into 19 languages. The comic’s widespread popularity led to various revenue streams, including merchandising, book sales, and a short-lived animated sitcom that aired on UPN.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 8, 1957, in Windham, New York, Scott Adams is the son of Paul and Virginia Adams. His early interest in cartooning was ignited at the age of six, inspired by the “Peanuts” comic strip. At age 11, Adams won his first drawing competition, demonstrating early talent and potential in the field of visual arts. Adams graduated as valedictorian from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School in 1975, a small graduating class of 39 students, reflecting his academic excellence in his formative years. Despite his passion for cartooning, the lack of initial progress in art led him to pursue a degree in economics at Hartwick College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1979. He later moved to California and obtained an MBA from U.C. Berkeley in 1986, showcasing a blend of artistic inclination and business acumen in his educational path.
“Dilbert” Career and Achievements
Scott Adams began his professional journey in corporate settings, including a role at Pacific Bell, which inadvertently became the breeding ground for the satirical characters and situations depicted in “Dilbert.” His “Dilbert” comic was launched in 1989 with United Media, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his career as a cartoonist. In the nascent stages, Adams received a royalty check of $368.62 from “Dilbert,” marking the beginning of his financial journey as a cartoonist. By 1991, “Dilbert” had expanded its reach to 100 newspapers, a significant milestone demonstrating its growing popularity. By 1994, the comic strip was featured in 400 newspapers, indicating a steady increase in its readership and appeal. By 1996, “Dilbert” was in 800 newspapers.
Adams released his first business book that year called “The ‘Dilbert’ Principle.” In 1997, Adams was honored with the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist and Best Newspaper Comic Strip. From 1998 to 2000, a “Dilbert” TV series was produced. The “Dilbert” TV series earned a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999. By 2000, “Dilbert” had reached a circulation of 2,000 newspapers across 57 countries, translated into 19 languages, solidifying its status as a global cultural phenomenon.
Other Ventures
Beyond “Dilbert,” Adams ventured into the food industry as the CEO of Scott Adams Food, Inc., a company specializing in vegetarian dishes. This venture led to the creation of products such as the Dilberito and Protein Chef, aligning with his personal vegetarian lifestyle. In season 4 of “Babylon 5”, Adams made an appearance, expanding his presence into television. He also made a cameo appearance on “NewsRadio,” further showcasing his versatility. Adams also engaged in political commentary, notably predicting Donald Trump’s presidency in 2015. In 2015, Adams based his predictions on Trump’s persuasion skills and techniques. His blog grew popular, and he launched a daily vlog called “Coffee with Scott Adams,” which garnered over 27 million views on YouTube and 95,000 subscribers. He met with Donald Trump at the Oval Office in 2018 and received a special gift. Additionally, Adams has authored two books on religion, “God’s Debris” in 2001 and “The Religion War” in 2004, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and diverse interests.
Controversies and Challenges
Scott Adams has faced controversies throughout his career. He has admitted to using false identities online to defend himself. Adams made a prediction in March 2020 that Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden would all get COVID-19 and that one of the men would die from it by the year’s end. In late February 2023, Scott Adams made controversial remarks about black people on his YouTube show. Subsequently, his comic distributor terminated its agreement with him. Following these remarks, several prominent media outlets, including “The New York Times,” “Washington Post,” “Los Angeles Times,” the “USA Today” network, and the “Cleveland Plain Dealer,” announced that they would cease publishing “Dilbert,” resulting in a significant reduction in the comic’s distribution.
Personal Life
Adams suffers from focal dystonia, a condition affecting his ability to draw for extended periods, leading him to use a graphics tablet. In July 2008, he underwent surgery to address spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal cord condition. In July 2006, Adams married Shelly Miles. Adams and Miles divorced in 2014 but remain friends. In 2018, Justin, one of Miles’ children, passed away from a fentanyl overdose at the age of 18. On Christmas Day in 2019, Adams announced his engagement to Kristina Basham, a model. The couple married on July 11, 2020.
Real Estate
During the peak of his success in the 1990s and 2000s, Scott Adams resided in San Francisco and Marin County. In 2009, he relocated to Danville, California, in the East Bay. On his Danville property, Adams constructed a 7,000-square-foot mansion featuring amenities such as an indoor basketball court, a one-acre backyard, a resort-style pool, and a Dilbert-shaped wall, reflecting his financial success and personal interests.
