Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the iconic animated series Spongebob Squarepants, died Monday after losing his battle with ALS, which he had been diagnosed with in March 2017, Varietyreports. He was 57 years old.
A former marine biology teacher, Hillenburg’s love of the ocean and all things in it manifested spectacularly in his creative career change to animation as Spongebob Squarepants. On it’s surface, the Nickelodeon show is a charmingly funny cartoon starring a yellow sponge — the eponymous Spongebob — and the other ocean dwellers who live in the pleasant underwater suburb of Bikini Bottom. But Spongebob‘s cultural legacy goes far beyond what even Hillenburg intended. The show, which has been on for 19 years and is still running, is beloved by practically all ages. Children adore Spongebob’s charming naiveté, teens and young adults love the filthy jokes for stoners hidden not so subtly in the background, and adults thrive on it’s meme culture which redefined the way we talk on social media.
Nickelodeon observed a moment of silence to honor the legendary animator.
💛 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
Many fans, including those that had gone on to work in animation themselves, also mourned Hillenburg’s loss.
Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of Spongebob Squarepants, has passed away. Thank you for creating this wonderful show. We are sending love to his family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GMGuSstHvK
— Channel Frederator (@channelfred) November 27, 2018
Stephen Hillenburg’s work on Spongebob for almost 2 decades has been inspirational.
He’s one of the most important individuals when it comes to Nickelodeon and animation in general. Rest in Peace Stephen. pic.twitter.com/7ir9lOucA2
— Pixelbuster❄ (@Nitomatta) November 27, 2018
Hillenburg’s gifts will never be forgotten.
Without #Spongebob, we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these memes
RIP Stephen Hillenburg pic.twitter.com/0QBCr46fmX
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 27, 2018
Source : TVGuide
