SpongeBob Squarepants Creator Stephen Hillenburg Passes Away

According to Variety, SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg has passed away at the age of 57 following a battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife Karen Hillenburg, son Clay, mother Nancy Hillenburg (nee Dufour) and brother Brian Kelly Hillenburg and his wife Isabel, and nieces Emma and Hazel. Nickelodeon issued the following statement…

“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. 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.”