SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg dead at 57

The mind behind the quirky animated character SpongeBob SquarePants, which became an unlikely hit around the world, has died tragically at age 57.

American cartoonist Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants has died at the age of 57 after suffering from ALS. Picture: Getty

Stephen Hillenburg, whose daffy animated ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ became an international hit, has died at 57.

Nickelodeon says Hillenburg died on Monday of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Hillenburg conceived, wrote, produced and directed the animated series that began in 1999 and went on to spawn hundreds of episodes, movies and a Broadway show.

SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg attends the world premiere of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water in New York in 2015. Picture: AP

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

“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 humour 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.”

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

(L-R) Tom Kenny, SpongeBob SquarePants, Creator Stephen Hillenberg, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, Karen Hillenburg and guest attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios. Picture: Getty

Hillenburg started his animation career in 1987 before getting a big break from 1993 to 1996 when he became a director and writer on Nickelodeon’s series Rocko’s Modern Life.

The first episode of SpongeBob SquarePants aired on Nickelodeon in the US on May 1, 1999 and 250 episodes have aired to date.

SpongeBob Creator Stephen Hillenburg and Karen Hillenburg. Picture: Getty

He is survived by his wife of 20 years Karen Hillenburg, son Clay, mother Nancy Hillenburg (nee Dufour) and brother Brian Kelly Hillenburg.

Originally published as SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg dead at 57