SpongeBob SquarePants is a cartoon icon that has shaped many childhoods since 1999, and today we are very sad to report that the creator of the series Stephen Hillenburg has passed away at the young age of 57. This was revealed through a Tweet from Nickelodeon.
💛 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 was diagnosed with ALS as of March last year, and it was confirmed to be the cause of his death. He left his mark on this world with his creation of SpongeBob SquarePants, which has 12 successful seasons and counting along with 2 movies and a third one on the way. We wish his family and friends the very best in their time of mourning.