Creatorof popular cartoon series, ‘SpongeBobSquarePants’ has passed away after a yearlong battle with ALS.
Stephen Hillenburg, a teacher and the creator of popular cartoon character, SpongeBobSquarePants has passed away at the age of 57 after battling with neurodegenerative disease,Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Hillenburg died on Monday, November 26, 2018 but his death was announced by Nickelodeon television network on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
“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,” the network said in a statement.
Hillenburg first opened up on his battle with neurodegenerative disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2017.
He was a marine biology teacher in Southern California and created sea creatures as teaching tools. This soon kicked off a new wave of cartoon series in television.
The production has also been turned to a series of spin-off books, two Hollywood movies and a Broadway musical.
“SpongeBob SquarePants,” features the cheerful yellow sea sponge, who lived in an underwater pineapple, and his friends Mr. Krabs, Larry the Lobster, Patrick, and their KrustyKrab restaurant hangout.
The first episode of the cartoon series aired on U.S. television in May 1999.
