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"SpongeBob SquarePants" creator Stephen Hillenburg was remembered by his colleagues as a creator with an incredible impact and vision on cartoons and pop culture.
The animator and former marine biology instructor revealed in March 2017 that he was battling the neurodegenerative disease ALS, a rare terminal illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
His death was announced on Tuesday in a Nickelodeon 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,” the network said in a statement. “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.”
Fellow animators and actors reacted to the sad news with stories about the powerful cultural relevance of “SpongeBob SquarePants”
Wow what a unique and fantastic character Steve created! It was my pleasure and honor to be in SpongeBob The Movie and to share some great laughs with this gentleman, Shocking Loss! To this day I am stopped and flattered by people and kids who have seen me in the film.#SpongeBob pic.twitter.com/gNF1CkJk69
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) November 27, 2018
Spongebob was a huge part of my life. I’m not kidding when I say I honestly wouldn’t b who I am today w/ out that show & the memories & cherished moments I have over it. All just want 2 say thank you Stephen Hillenburg 4 creating such an impactful wonderful work of art. Rest Well
— Paul Butcher (@ThePaulButcher) November 27, 2018
💛 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
I can’t put into words how grateful I am to you for changing my life with your creative brilliance & huge heart. It has been such an honor to bring Pearl Krabs to life🐳💔🐳 Our SpongeBob family is devastated but we know you’re in Bikini Bottom in the sky #RIPSteveHillenburg https://t.co/ERGGrV4wDf
— Lori Alan (@LoriAlan1) November 27, 2018
A giant of cartoons has left us. A kind, brilliant and hilarious genius who will forever be remembered for his creations. Animation was changed for the better thanks to him. And millions of kids grew up with a character that championed innocence. Gracias for everything, Steve. https://t.co/Nn0DCnabJS
— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) November 27, 2018
The quality of the first three seasons of Spongebob are to blame for it’s decades-long cultural relevance. Stephen Hillenburg created a broad, optimistic universe without sacrificing any of his absurd sensibility, giving us art that could be loved and understood commonly. Tragic.
— Gabriel Gundacker (@gabegundacker) November 27, 2018