Rob Grant, one of the creators of the cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, has died. He was 70.
Grant co-created Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor and the series ran from 1988 to 1999 on BBC Two. The show was later brought back by Dave from 2009-2020.
Grant’s death was announced by his family. In a statement to the Red Dwarf fan site Ganymede & Titan, they wrote: “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.”
The Red Dwarf show followed the last remaining crew member of a mining spacecraft, led by technician Dave Lister (played by Craig Charles). He wakes after four million years to discover he is the only surviving human. All he has left for company are a hologram of his workmate Arnold Rimmer (played by Chris Barrie), a sanitation droid (Robert Llewellyn), the ship’s computer Holly (Norman Lovett) and an entity called Cat (Danny John-Jules).
An episode from the sixth series of the show, Gunmen of the Apocalypse from 1994, won an International Emmy Award in the Popular Arts category. In the same year, Red Dwarf was also awarded Best BBC Comedy Series at the British Comedy Awards.
Craig Charles led tributes to Grant on social media, writing: “Earlier today I was informed of the passing of [Rob Grant].
“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.”
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— Craig Charles (@CCfunkandsoul) February 26, 2026
Oh man, what sad news. I met him at his script writing course many moons ago and prepared myself to NOT bother him with all my favourite Red Dwarf quotes. I broke within seconds, and he was gracious enough to indulge me and my childhood joy. A nice guy, and a comedy genius.
— Imran Yusuf (@imranyusuf) February 26, 2026
It's so sad. He & Doug are comedy geniuses – Red Dwarf was my obsession throughout my teens and it continues to have a special place in my heart.
Was looking forward to what he was going to do with the prequels – hopefully his new book, Titan, will be released as his legacy
— Allison Green (@Alligatoruk1975) February 26, 2026
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