Rob Grant: 'Visionary' sitcom icon who co-created legendary cult show Red Dwarf dies aged 70 as tributes pour in
Rob grant, one of the co-creators of the legendary cult sitcom Red Dwarf, has died at the age of 70.
Grant’s family confirmed his death via a statement released on Red Dwarf fansite Ganymede & Titan.
The statement read: “With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 25th February 2026), a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world.”
Grant co-created the iconic sitcom alongside Doug Naylor. The British comedy series first hit screens in 1988 and ran until 1999 on BBC Two before later being revived from 2009 until 2020 on Dave.
Red Dwarf became a cult hit for fans, following the story of technician Dave Lister (Craig Charles) who awakes from suspended animation after four million years to find that he is the last surviving human.
He soon finds companionship with a hologram of his bunkmate Anroal Rimmer (Chris Barrie), Cat (Danny John-Jules) who is a lifeform evolved form Lister’s pregnant cat, sanitation android Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), and the ship’s computer Holly (Norman Lovett).
News of Grant’s death came shortly after his first Red Dwarf novel in 30 years was announced, with prequel story Red Dwarf: Titan, co-written with Andew Marshall, set to hit shelves.
Tributes have poured in following Grant’s passing, including from sitcom star Craig Charles. The actor said in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
The Ganymede & Titan fansite said in a statement: “We’re in too much shock to add much else right now, other than to pass on our sympathies and love to Rob’s family, friends, colleagues and fans. This is devastating news, and for it to have happened within a week of his first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years being officially announced is just the sort of cruel twist of fate that Rob delighted in inventing.
“We’ll have more to say over the coming days, weeks and months, to celebrate the life of a man whose imagination, creativity and humour was matched only by his kindness, friendliness and generosity. We will forever be grateful for the impact the world he co-created had on our lives, and honoured to have known him.”
Fans have also paid tribute to Grant. One person said: “Such sad news. Red Dwarf is still one of the all time greats. One of these shows no matter how many times you've seen it you can always laugh just as much.”
Another added: “This series meant so much to my family. Thank you for all the laughs. RIP Rob.”