SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg dies at 57

Variety

Hillenburg died Monday following a battle with ALS after disclosing he was suffering from the disease in March 2017. A former marine biology teacher, Hillenburg combined his love of the sea and its creatures with his artistic talent to create SpongeBob, which launched on Nickelodeon in 1999 and completed its 11th season on Sunday. He also wrote and directed 2004's The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, which grossed $140 million. In announcing his disease in March 2017, Hillenburg said in a statement: “I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS. Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on SpongeBob SquarePants and my other passions for as long as I am able. My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honored during this time.” Nickelodeon said of Hillenburg's death: “He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.”