SpongeBob SquarePants creator dead at 57

November 28, 2018

SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg has died at age 57.

The 57-year-old died yesterday, following a battle with ALS - an ailment also known as Lou Gehrig's disease that attacks muscles, and eventually breathing. Hillenburg revealed he had the disease last year.

In a statement, Nickelodeon praised the "long-time creative partner" and mourned his passing.

"Our hearts go out to his entire family," the statement said. "Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere.

Stephen Hillenburg died aged 57, after a battle with motor neurone disease.

"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."

Hillenburg began his career teaching biology before deciding to pursue animation in 1987, Variety reports. He went to work at Nickelodeon in 1993, with his greatest career success - SpongeBob SquarePants - debuting on the children's cable network in 1999.

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