Rob Grant, co-creator of the sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly on February 25, 2026, at the age of 70. Days after announcing a new prequel novel, tributes from collaborators and fans highlighted his humor and impact. Co-creator Doug Naylor and actor Craig Charles expressed deep sadness in social media posts.
Rob Grant, who co-created the British sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, aged 70. The series, which debuted in 1988, follows Dave Lister, played by Craig Charles, awakening from suspended animation after three million years aboard the mining spaceship Red Dwarf. He finds himself the last human, accompanied by a hologram of his deceased crewmate (Chris Barrie), a lifeform evolved from the ship's cat (Danny John-Jules), a sanitation droid (Robert Llewellyn), and the ship's computer voiced by Norman Lovett and Hattie Naylor at different times. The show's final episode, a feature-length special, aired in 2020, with its narrative continuing in novels and other media.
Grant's death came shortly after he revealed plans for Red Dwarf: Titan, a prequel novel he hoped would inspire a new television series. Doug Naylor, who first met Grant at age nine at Chetham's School of Music and later at Liverpool University, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute. "I'm deeply saddened to hear of Rob Grant's passing yesterday. It's hard to take in the loss of someone who was such a significant part of my life for so many years," Naylor wrote. He recalled their early days laughing together and creating hits like Spitting Image and Red Dwarf, noting their shared passion for comedy. Naylor extended thoughts to Grant's wife Kath and family, signing off with "RIP Smeghead!"
Craig Charles, who portrayed Lister, posted on X: "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."
Robert Llewellyn, known as Kryten, shared on Threads: "Very sad news about Rob Grant, who, along with Doug Naylor created the long running comedy series Red Dwarf. He passed away on Wednesday, Rob was a very funny man with a talent for stinging reposts."
The Official Red Dwarf Fan Club stated on X: "We are devastated to learn of Rob's passing and send love to his family and friends. He will always live on through his amazing creativity, storytelling and humour. Travel well, Sir."
