Stephen Hillenburg, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ creator, dies at 57

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series “SpongeBob SquarePants,” has died. He was 57.

Hillenburg had been battling the progressive neurodegenerative disease ALS. He revealed last March that he had been diagnosed with the disease.

The network confirmed Hillenburg’s death in a statement.

“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS,” Nickelodeon said in a statement to NBC News.

“He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family,” the statement continued.

“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.”

💛 We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. 💛

— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018

Hillenburg began working on the animated series that would eventually become “SpongeBob SquarePants” in the late 1990s, before the show premiered in 1999.

It has aired nearly 250 episodes to date and has won multiple awards, including both U.S. and British Emmys.

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