Rob Grant / Phil Guest via Creative Commons
Rob Grant, co-creator of the iconic sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, has died at the age of 70.
As well as Red Dwarf, which he created with long-term collaborator Doug Naylor, Grant also wrote iconic episodes of Spitting Image, an alien comedy series for Sky called The Strangerers and multiple projects for Jasper Carrott.
In a short statement, his family said: “With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday February 25, 2026), a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world.”
Craig Charles, who played Lister on Red Dwarf, wrote on social media: “Earlier today I was informed of the passing of @realrobgrant. I am in total shock. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A visionary.
“My heart goes out to his family and friends. The impact he and Doug had on the course of my life is immeasurable. RIP Rob.”
Just days before his death Grant announced that he had written a prequel novel, Red Dwarf: Titan, which is now expected to be released posthumously in July.
