Stephen Hillenburg, Creator of 'SpongeBob SquarePants,' Dies at 57

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the popular cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants," died Monday at the age of 57. The cause was ALS, which he revealed he had been diagnosed with in March 2017. "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS," said Nickelodeon 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." #InsideEdition

[@F1a5h14]

He died too soon but he created one of the best shows ever made, may he rest in peace

[@ian9084]

😞😞😞😞😞😞😞

[@brandonzavala2118]

The best show ever made 😞

[@tiktokhelp4485]

fla5h1 hands down

[@yakimazoe]

IKR

[@d4vid469]

SPONGEBOB IS DISGUSTING

[@skinkx7176]

2018 is a sad year :'(

[@jordanrack2750]

Skinkx lose a lot of people in 2018

[@vanzinirubino226]

Stan Lee

[@skinkx7176]

They were good people

[@Miguel-ob3pk]

@@vanzinirubino226 same as xxxtentacion

[@burnettefoxy717]

Skinkcx even my dog died

[@Olivia-rw2zc]

2018 has been really rough for me 😔

[@dayanaslifestyle2938]

The TeA has been Spilled lol ur here too haha

[@oliviajohnson9163]

Same

[@Olivia-rw2zc]

MajorJetsFan 973 ikr 😭😰

[@sairamsoundararajan5190]

Me too dude

[@yasrapathan4762]

The TeA has been Spilled me too

[@cakepoprock]

First Robbie Rotten, then Stan Lee, now Spongebob... 2k18 is a sad year

[@andreacastillovilla3233]

cakepoprock don’t forget Xxxtentacion

[@vihaanle3010]

And George bush

[@tocayo6969]

Andrea Xxx and Mac miller

[@oneezmoneysniper]

Stephen Hawking also dies from ALS

[@cheesyboy4889]

George, mostly. Sorry if ur offended. But he changed America. And made it better. R.I.P Hillenburg

[@awalker2688]

This left me depressed after watching too many tributes

[@mariojrrcarpizo7989]

Noo 😢😭😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭😭😢😢😭

[@yoshiyt5742]

It’s going to 2019

[@aiden1616osfs]

1:21 I no joke cried at this part

[@imboard1188]

He brought joy to so many kids may he rest in peace

[@tres4045]

Yes rest in peace

[@austinstebbins9709]

Preach

[@belaslife9828]

I'm Board me 😭😭😭I love spongebob I’m ten years old btw

[@alexaa8493]

He owns the 1# Hat

[@lvrforu]

And will forever

[@MaherandIbrahimsAvengers]

"He was number 1!" -Spongebob Squarepants

[@owowhatsthis._.6943]

Heeh yea good one good one (:

[@owowhatsthis._.6943]

Heeh yea good one good one (:

[@diegofavaratozfilms962]

Even in 2022 I’m still sad that this amazing man is gone

[@Skull0973]

Even worse in 2023

[@SteamingHillenturds]

You don't have to be sad anymore. I'm back from the dead as a ghost.

[@Lyndsaylol]

Dam this really hurt this man is my WHOLE childhood😭

[@garry2410]

Lyndsay_Løve •TM Faccctttsss

[@Someone-lp8el]

Same.

[@irmanoemi344]

Stefan Karl - Cancer. Stan Lee - Natural Cases. Stephen Hillenburg - ALS. I hate this crappy year...

[@prfctdoll]

Lmao I'm wating for a comment saying "what about xxx" 🤦‍♀️

[@attackhelicopter5154]

What about Stephen Hawkings

[@braincoolo9399]

@@attackhelicopter5154 he also died of ALS

[@Q_doggo]

What about Stephen Hawking

[@amouseontheinternet6537]

All the deaths have “S” in their name BUT ITS STILL SAD 😭😭

[@ruhsy]

Stephen: Where am I? Stan: Dont worry kid you're already fine now...

[@cheesyboy4889]

He changed my life, and I'm shocked of what happened to a great, great, and very beloved man, R.I.P

[@d4vid469]

SPONGEBOB IS DISGUSTING

[@bmhater1283]

@@d4vid469 Who cares? Dead meme

[@d4vid469]

@@bmhater1283 Who cares? 2 year old comment. leave me alone

[@jose_frmnb2538]

Thx for making my childhood 😊😊😖😖😖😖😭😭😭😭

[@aloe4497]

Yes

[@kaylastevensstolenphone]

Me too😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥🙂🙂🙂

[@novaspear5941]

Me to

[@tripleastacz372]

First Stan and now Stephen

[@KJ-nj4gc]

Ben Dover Next, Michael Bay

[@niswahlayyinah]

@@KJ-nj4gc You wish!

[@lubagchamp5089]

I Know Right!!

[@sav6473]

Ben Dover xxxtentacion

[@cakepoprock]

Dont forget Robbie rotteb

[@billieeeeilishhh6822]

*depression has started for me*

[@oliviajohnson9163]

Same here

[@cutiepieblufish]

He would've been 58 today, happy birthday Stephen Hillenburg, we all still miss you. 💛💐

[@fancychinchilla2819]

57...a young age...after everything that he has been through...I wish he will live longer

[@IridescentIntrovert]

Omg my Mom is 57 and she's not dead

[@Nightmare_Fae]

@@IridescentIntrovert she probably wont die at that age unless she has health problems

[@hitzcritz]

I used to watch this show so much when I was a kid, I'm sad he's gone :(

[@m4matt867]

HitzCritz I’m soooooo 😢

[@noelmaldonado2903]

HitzCritz same it’s sad 😢

[@tnggthenextgenarationgamer6492]

Your pic is Obama and he also loved the show

[@hitzcritz]

@@tnggthenextgenarationgamer6492 Coincidence? I think not.

[@haydenweaver8871]

Me too it's sad that he died

[@i7wounds]

I’m 13 and I watched this show in 2007 may he Rest In Peace. Ima start crying on my pillow now🙏🏽

[@d4vid469]

SPONGEBOB IS DISGUSTING

[@zekewhy]

@@d4vid469 and so is your culture

[@d4vid469]

@Pretty Cure Forever open your eyes while actually watching the show and then youll see

[@savagekid396]

I watched spongebob when I was little and it really breaks my heart to find out he died one day before my birthday

[@monticellothomas386]

Rip I love spongebob and it’s all thx to him

[@xnaran6668]

Cameron Swan you’re probably still in your childhood lmao

[@miyooki3656]

@@adamdjaiou6755 Lmao you can't spell.

[@tomthomasson3122]

I'll miss Steve he was a good man.

[@crypticwoomy8288]

*Mr Krabs plays the small sad violin* R.I.P😢😪

[@KingWushido]

NoCeleryyyYT S T O P 😂

[@EmbeddedWithin]

It’s 2020 and this still gives me tears.

[@theassilbeksiblings4157]

2018 is so depressing and sad 😞 worst year of my life 😭😩😞

[@oliviajohnson9163]

same

[@crackmanjoe7778]

2020 be like: :'/

[@cutiepieblufish]

R.I.P. Stephen Hillenburg. You made my childhood. Thank You SO Much! 💛😭

[@NoobMaster-tn8di]

This year was so sad 😭.... R.I.P Karl Stefansson R.I.P Stan Lee R.I.P Stephen Hillenburg Our Amazing childhood heroes. thank you 😭😭😭

[@brianmo2965]

Also R. Lee Ermey

[@MrMJmusicLover]

I'm 46 so the only childhood on the list for me is Stan Lee

[@dennist8475]

Also Fredo Santana 😢😭😭

[@pastelbrownie7447]

Rip xxxtentacion

[@cyt9662]

What about xxxtentacion and lil peep?

[@isaiahfrancisquiatchon3397]

RIP Stephen hillenburg you completed my childhood I'll never forget you I wish you didn't die

[@jayl3603]

FIRST STAN LEE!! NOW THIS?!??! What is happening to my childhood😭😭😭.

[@Eternity10515]

2018 is so cruel! First stephen hawking Second stan lee Now stephen hillenburg

[@jacobcomeaux203]

「Eternity」 dont forget Karl Steffinson

[@cynicalcyanide891]

Karl Steffanson

[@yoshiyt5742]

Rotten but not forgotten

[@doublethecookies4057]

Don’t forget xxxtentacion

[@user-ee5gv6lt6x]

Nigga don’t forget abt Arianna grande bae and xxx

[@silentgamer88]

Legends will never die. You will be remembered 😭😭😭

[@creeperawman4779]

Well legends do die but legends will always be remembered

[@TD-jt4iy]

Foxy the pirate she means that he won’t die because no one will forget him

[@DanielaGonzalez-mq2el]

why does everyone die in 2018??

[@tomthomasson3122]

I don't know?

[@dafilmqueen556]

To be fair,Stan Lee was 95,and Stephen Hawking was in his 80s,so it's sort of expected that they would die soon.Not to mention,with the weaknesses that came to Stephen's body,it should've been impossible for him to keep living!

[@crackmanjoe7778]

Me in 2020 like: :/

[@trijosh5208]

"You hold too many memories." "He was number 1!"

[@Admiralzzz_]

R.I.P Steven hillenburg The creator of the best cartoon in the world

[@yoshiyt5742]

Yea

[@moussasacko2117]

Facts 😢😢😢

[@yoshiyt5742]

Nope. In the world (in my opinion)

[@nuk3fishydude902]

Bye Marvel and SpongeBob.😢

[@yeetthemeat7128]

Omg yeah this is so sad 😭

[@zgunepic]

For reals

[@goldbullet5265]

Fishydude 2018 is looking like a bad year I’m not prepared for 2019 😬

[@thanosraisin623]

Don't forget Robbie Rotten

[@thanosraisin623]

All hail Project zorgo number one fan Stefan Karl the man who played Robbie Rotten died of cancer at age 43 about 3 months ago

[@alecgonzalez6910]

It’s 2024 and I still haven’t gotten over his loss he created my childhood and his legacy will live on RIP.

[@gretacarter3498]

RIP Steven Hillenburg ! I remember watching Spongebob with my dad and sister when my sister and I were little on nights when my mom taught voice lessons - always good times !

[@MackV99]

Died too young. I'll be forever grateful to have the experience I did growing up and watching SpongeBob. This man has practically made everyone's childhood, growing up watching the show. All the creative storylines, and iconic characters created. May he rest in peace. Ocean Man.

[@jacobimason3654]

Rip i love watching spongebob hes the reason why spongebob is a well known tv show now it wont be the same again

[@devinwilkes7400]

I thought same thing . Also of marvel ! :/

[@bria485]

NOOOO THIS WAS MY FAVORITE SHOW!

[@Yen26...]

I was 24, still watching Spongebob. Thank you Stephen Hillenburg for making us 90's kids smile, you gave us a wonderful memory.

[@melaniehernandez493]

2018 is the WORST year of my life😡

[@mariotv2187]

Melanie Hernandez same for me too... Why is everyone dying??! Especially the creator of my favorite show! :(

[@pvrify]

And Stan lee died a few weeks died...

[@vanillajay3681]

I agree with you.....💔

[@fernandog.1575]

you're not the only one

[@irinafeygin8450]

Melanie Hernandez Ik :( what’s next?!

[@sln137]

I still love spongebob to be honest it was my whole childhood😢😭 Edit:thank you person who just liked my comment

[@carlosgaribay1665]

SECONDTVGAMING same

[@theshooksterler6208]

I'm legit having tears down my face as this was my childhood show. i can quote every single quote and have seen almost every episode, and remember almost every song wird for word. R.I.P Stephen Hillenburg.

[@laniac5269]

I know this is sad, but R.I.P Stan Lee

[@Ashley-em7eb]

Damn everyone is dying in 2018

[@chiisawesome7619]

Ash Delights TRUE

[@jellygilly7416]

Its getting to be my worse year...

[@Mel0.5]

And everyone's pregnant

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

@@Mel0.5 I'm NOT 🛇

[@Mel0.5]

@@SUGAR_XYLER ok well I mean most youtubers sorry.

[@jadeairielle]

RIP, I hope Spongebob doesn't end.

[@seraviloxelavlogs]

Jade Moore I hope it does. It won’t be the same without him

[@PChamileon97]

Alex Seravilo if RWBY is able to go on without Monty Oum, no doubt Spongebob is gonna stick around for a little while

[@jellygilly7416]

Spongebob is not going to end, Nickelodeon said

[@dgrhoton8584]

Jade Moore Nick has confirmed that spongebob is staying through 2019

[@lemonade2934]

It won’t because Stephen hillenburg stopped working on spongebob after the movie because that was supposed to be the ending

[@yoitsSmitty2004]

The man that changed the cartoon world forever

[@theawesometoychannel3182]

So long my friend you created a part of my childhood I'll never forget thanks for all the laughs and smiles you gave to the world including me you will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace

[@megagodsavageredlion9772]

R.I.P Stephen Hillenburg 1961 to 2018 you will be forever missed

[@IridescentIntrovert]

No in 2021 he will not be missed

[@wholetthedogsout2941]

Emperor savage Red lion he’s dead

[@megagodsavageredlion9772]

I know that

[@omgaofi]

Spongebob's dad....... died..... Also my childhood.... Wow.... Y'all thanks for the likes and I hope that Spongebob still lives on:3

[@omgaofi]

@@trilxx4215 o0f

[@trilxx4215]

HappyHappyDepresed Gurl LoL

[@omarhernandez7574]

Were losing so much great people in 2018

[@omgaofi]

@@omarhernandez7574 that sucks when we lose great people

[@backtheblue3363]

This is just sad I have watched every episode ever created,and both movies a few times. 😢. R.I.P.

[@andresescalante9543]

Thank you for all the years and episodes you let me watch

[@ryanadam4162]

So sad u were my childhood, Rest In Peace

[@marthacortez9726]

Same 😢

[@sydnextd0or]

Throw my whole childhood away😔😭. R.I.P 😩 to the creator of my childhood

[@CAYCAYNULLIAN]

brxtz clxique he created my childhood too

[@EKSBEntertainment]

Such a sad loss. But this is life we all eventually pass on I lost my grandma the same day. But the best thing we can do is remember his life's work and the joy he brought into our lives.

[@jessicagreenfield6584]

I know it's 2023 but I still miss him so much. He made a huge part of my childhood. I still miss him. That month in 2018 was hard as hell because that's when Stan Lee died literally the month 😞💔

[@mistuco2089]

Hes still my childhood hero👊👊

[@user-ym1nf6el9m]

Hes everyones hero We lost to many this year

[@mistuco2089]

@@user-ym1nf6el9m i know...its really sad.

[@coolkid-vd7kw]

Misty Likes Principal Of The Thing same I’m crying

[@lobobaseball2201]

@@user-ym1nf6el9m yeah

[@ceciliacastellon5795]

Misty Likes Principal Of The Thing him and Stan Lee

[@alexthebudgie9071]

Damn. Steven Hawkins Stephen Karl stephanson Stan lee Steven hillenburg. The year of the ‘S’ Deaths. Rest in peace you good people.

[@amouseontheinternet6537]

Alex my little Budgie 😢😭 goddamit todays a depressing day

[@pawhaven8243]

Alex my little Budgie ya. i loved ALL these guys😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@eloska589]

Who's Steven Hawkins and Stephen Karl!

[@pawhaven8243]

Zorra Smith Stephen Hawki gs was a really smart guy in a a wheelchair, and Stephen Karl is from Lazytown..the bad guy

[@TrippEvans]

What about SXXXTentacion RIP

[@Ash-wc9en]

I started crying I'll miss him hope he's safe up there.

[@jamiecristo7419]

A Year Without Stephen Hillenburg 😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏 (1961-2018)

[@veronica213LA]

I hope there will be a cure one day soon for this horrendous disease. R.I.P to all who lost their lives to ALS.

[@lindacarrasco1185]

I just started crying he is my childhood

[@evelynnmelchor158]

Same

[@hiha3972]

same! I started crying when I saw the news

[@Sheysheyshy]

Linda Carrasco same

[@azell4580]

Same

[@erinopokuware2353]

Same

[@ashleyadams9782]

This year has been so sad :(

[@rickyneal407]

i still watch it til this day i love u man

[@Quadrocephis]

This guy didn’t just live a happy life, he made us HAPPY too! He made us happy. Which makes his life a *SWEET VICTORY* Love you, Stephen!

[@ceiling771]

Enzo The Meme eyyy a 2b2t comrade But it’s still sad that he died tho:(

[@meganandmeloniehaggard908]

I am sad to I may be 12 but yes I still watch spongbob

[@snfa206]

I'm 13 lol

[@poopfart65]

I’m 13 too

[@meganandmeloniehaggard908]

blah blah nice do u have Snapchat we could be friends or something

[@hannahmar04]

In 14 and still watch it ahahah

[@iamgroot1450]

Hannah Beeman Same😂

[@fealinqzedits2905]

This made me cry 😭

[@fatimafat9679]

Spongebob has been my favourite show since I was three and nothing has changed. This was my whole childhood, thx Stephen Hillenburg 😭.

[@somedude9450]

First Stan Lee now this?

[@itsyourboymark7132]

Alexa play sad

[@josukeirl1671]

IKR WHYYYY

[@owezzy2x]

No First XXXTentacion, than Stan Lee, and now him

[@davegoliat5781]

Omar Jobarteh no just Stan lee then this

[@BltchErica]

@@owezzy2x no first Stephen Hawking

[@brooklynjade7024]

Ahhh...the man who created my childhood...😓May he Rest In Peace💕🌸

[@gamersfire5845]

There goes my childhood

[@SteamingHillenturds]

Well, your childhood is back because I've just come back from the dead as a ghost.

[@olskoolvideoarchives]

@@SteamingHillenturdsgreat to hear! Welcome back!

[@goldprincejamal]

We Will All Miss You Chadwick and Stephen Hillenburg

[@alejandroguzman5349]

2018 was the year everyone born in at least the 2000's childhood memories went away.

[@AlterraCorp]

Yep

[@ironmight4334]

R.I.P Stephen Hillenburg. May God bless his family. Stephen will be remembered as "The Goofiest of the Goobers!"

[@isabelmariereynolds]

This is so sad and heartbreaking

[@juanolmedo771]

Stephen Hillburg R.I.P Always Been Missed 1999-2017

[@brandonramos4858]

2018 is the worst year ever we lost everyone😞

[@SpectrumAssociates]

2018 is also the day the hopes and dreams died. And the American Dream.

[@firedogxd6821]

Rip Xxxtentacion💔

[@dm.ren3]

can we just take a moment to appreciate all the funny and nice people who died in 2018

[@heartsanimations2060]

2018 is such a sad year :( Rest in peace stephen

[@chritywilly5215]

We would've never had Spongebob if it wasn't for this guy. His show made an impact on everyones childhood. Thank you Mr. Stephen for all you've done for us, but most importantly thank you for creating someone that makes us happy. R.I.P.

[@ahasan1235]

I AM GOING TO TELL MY MOM! I’m literally crying 😭 Stephen Hillenburg You Will Always Be Remembered

[@Rocket_Man.]

He died too soon, but the laughters we share will be internal! ❤️

[@XGh0sT77]

African Girl it’s always ALS that takes people with futures smh, like Stephen Hawking, Stephen Hillenburg, Lou Gherig, etc

[@sunnyd1114]

RIP Stephen Hillenberg, we will never forget you. I'm actually crying rn, we've lost so many amazing people in 2018 💔

[@kk6930]

Watching this back it hurts. I can't believe how much the show progressed.

[@HiHi-pm9dd]

oof my whole childhood is shattered ❤️😭

[@noelmaldonado2903]

Hi Hi same I still love SpongeBob just as much as I did as a kid

[@lennonissen8378]

I'm 15 (16 on Friday) and I still watch it,may everyone rest in peace

[@spicymemesauce8587]

this is one of the only times I cared that someone famous died

[@thatscrazy6271]

What about Stan Lee ;-; too many people have left us

[@loadinqspade]

squidward, i cannot imagine the pain your feeling, your creator died 😭

[@voidgirl7811]

Same

[@Monkeyslurrkle]

I remember growing up and watching him all the time sad to see a legend go maybe one day in the future someone can refill that empty place in my heart

[@eternal5829]

Loved this show. I'm sad he died and he will never be forgotten

[@gomezv8944]

R.I.P my childhood hero 😞🙏🏼 always remember you and what you did In this world. Rest In Paradise ❤️

[@memer22]

First stan and now Stephen abd they we're both great actors & writers..Legends never die ❤

[@Taebends_2x]

I’m 17 and have been watching spongebob since I was 12 and this is sad to find out the creator is dead,rest in peace man😢🙏🏾I love your creativity and voice and this show,I always watch this show when I’m bored or just whenever I wasn’t feeling good

[@monicuh0]

Sometimes I'm moody like squidward. Selfish like Mr. Crabs. Dumb like Patrick. But I will always be there for you like Spongebob did. Rest in Peace Stephen Hillenburg. Thank you for making a great childhood for us.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

I'm frugal like Mr crabs bc I'm a cancer sun sign 🤭🤗

[@tahreesuh]

This is the best comment here. This deserves more likes. 👏👏👏

[@leoortiiiz]

cringe

[@jamesmcilwee8939]

I enjoyed SpongeBob when I was growing up. I'm sorry Hillenburg died...

[@elizabeth.9152]

James McIlwee same 😓

[@bigdonutsandpinkcupcakes3721]

Me, too. 😭

[@fernandomartinez2288]

This is really sad he is the guy who made a lot of kids happy for years Rest In Peace you will live in our hearts

[@killua_7787]

Thinks you brought me happy and joy to me as a kid RIP Stephen your I hope your creation will live on 😪

[@meteora7444]

Wtf is wrong with 2018 all my fav people dieing wtf god give them back

[@stranger6445]

Alsi T-series taking over YT

[@noelmaldonado2903]

II PANDA IIV ikr

[@tjs2014]

We've lost Stefan Karl Stefanson, Avicci, Stephen Hawking, Burt Reynolds, Stan Lee, and now Stephen Hillenburg.

[@Ok-qe3ud]

@@tjs2014 and xxxtentacion

[@kingalpha8389]

You sound stupid as hell.

[@ys0456]

I may be too old but i still watch spongebob when I am bored and the jokes still funny.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

I watched s.bob as youngen. As a mom, still watched s.bob w/ my youngen. Rip

[@obiwankenobi8805]

Rip stephen Hillenburg for making our childhood, and always making us laugh with spongebob when we needed it more than ever. you will forever be a legend, and never forgotten.

[@zohath3213]

Man I can’t believe this guy lead me through my childhood died...rest in peace, and thank you for being in my childhood.

[@nicolefuentes3416]

R.I.P my childhood is slowly leaving first it was toysRus

[@marcie_ohohhoteehee3110]

i heard toys r us is coming back

[@DHAdArchivez]

Actually, Toys R Us is coming back. But if only there was a thing to turn people like Stephen Hillenburg back to life. )':

[@cartooncat9115]

Forever Alone yup