Rob Grant, one of the creators of the cult favorite science-fiction sitcom Red Dwarf, has died. He was 70.
Grant and Doug Naylor were behind the British comedy series that aired on BBC Two from 1988 to 1999 and was later revived by channel Dave from 2009 to 2020.
It followed the remaining crew of a mining spacecraft led by low-ranking technician Dave Lister (Craig Charles), who awakes from millions of years of suspended animation to find he is the only surviving human. His only companions are a hologram of his bunkmate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), a lifeform that evolved from his pregnant pet, Cat (Danny John-Jules), the sanitation droid Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), and the ship's computer Holly (Norman Lovett).
Grant’s death was announced by his family, who said in a statement to the Red Dwarf fan site Ganymede & Titan: “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.”
Just days earlier, Grant had announced the forthcoming publication of a new Red Dwarf prequel novel, titled Red Dwarf: Titan.
Grant was born in Salford, Greater Manchester in September 1955.
He studied Psychology at Liverpool University, before meeting his future writing partner Naylor in the 1980s. The pair worked together on various Radio 4 comedies and television shows including the satirical puppet show Spitting Image and and various projects led by the stand-up comedian Jasper Carrott.
While writing for the Radio 4 sketch show Son Of Cliché, Grant and Naylor created a character known as “Dave Hollins: Space Cadet.” This idea evolved into Red Dwarf, which debuted on BBC television on February 15, 1988 and drew 4.75 million viewers. By the time the final series ran in 1999, the show’s viewership had grown to 8 million.
Alongside the successful sitcom, Grant and Naylor published various Red Dwarf novels using the joint pseudonym “Grant Naylor.”
The writing team split in the 1990s, citing creative differences, and Grant’s more recent books were written in collaboration with screenwriter Andrew Marshall.
Red Dwarf star Craig Charles led tributes to Grant, writing on X: “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.”
