SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg dies aged 57

Nickelodeon confirmed that Stephen Hillenburg, the man who brought us SpongeBob and all his pals in Bikini Bottom, has tragically died.

SPONGEBOB SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg has died aged 57, Nickelodeon has confirmed.

Hillenburg announced in March 2017 that he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

He was the brains behind the wildly popular cartoon character. Photo: Junko Kimura/Getty Images

In a statement, the children’s television network said: “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 honour his life and work.”

💛 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

Former marine biology teacher Stephen had worked on SpongeBob since 1999.

In a longer statement, the broadcaster added: “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.”

As well as creating the character, Hillenburg also directed 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

He’s survived by his wife, Karen, and his son, Clay.

Stephen Hillenburg and Karen Hillenburg at the opening night of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical in 2017. Photo: Jenny Anderson/Getty Images