Rob Grant, Red Dwarf Co-Creator, Dies at 70
Rob Grant, the co-creator of the beloved British science-fiction sitcom Red Dwarf, has died at the age of 70. His family announced his sudden passing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, describing it as a great loss to his family, friends, and comedy fans worldwide.
A Legacy of Laughter in Space
Grant, alongside Doug Naylor, conceived Red Dwarf, which originally aired on BBC Two from 1988 to 1999 and enjoyed a successful revival on Dave from 2009 to 2020. The Independent reports the show’s unique premise follows the misadventures of Dave Lister, the last human alive aboard the mining ship Red Dwarf, and his unlikely companions: a hologram of his bunkmate Arnold Rimmer, Cat (an evolved feline), Kryten (a sanitation droid), and Holly (the ship’s computer).
Early Life and Career
Born in Salford, Greater Manchester, in September 1955, Grant studied Psychology at Liverpool University before partnering with Naylor in the 1980s. Wikipedia details their early collaborations on radio comedies and television shows, including Spitting Image and projects with Jasper Carrott. They developed the character of “Dave Hollins: Space Cadet” while working on the Radio 4 sketch show Son Of Cliché, which ultimately evolved into Red Dwarf.
Recent Perform and Tributes
Just days before his death, Grant announced the forthcoming publication of a Red Dwarf prequel novel, Red Dwarf: Titan, co-written with Andrew Marshall. The Mirror reports the novel, scheduled for release in July, is set one universe aside from the original series, allowing for fresh storylines while maintaining familiar characters.
Tributes have poured in from fellow comedians and actors. Craig Charles, who played Dave Lister, expressed his shock and described Grant as “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met” and a “visionary.” He emphasized the profound impact Grant and Naylor had on his life.
Czech Republic Connections
Several Red Dwarf cast members have visited the Czech Republic in recent years. Chris Barrie and Craig Charles attended Prague Comic-Con in 2024, and Danny John-Jules visited in 2023. Norman Lovett, who portrayed Holly, appeared at the Future Gate sci-fi film festival in 2019, expressing his gratitude for the show’s enduring popularity.
Rob Grant’s passing marks the end of an era for British comedy, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a beloved science-fiction series that continues to captivate audiences.