Stephen Hillenburg

I was completely shocked to hear this news, that Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of  "SpongeBob SquarePants” had died on Monday.

He was 57.  The cause of death was ALS which Hillenburg was diagnosed with last year.

"SpongeBob SquarePants” is an indelible part of the story of my daughter’s childhood. "SpongeBob SquarePants” wasn’t just fun to watch, it was weird in a way that appealed to my daughter’s unique sensibilities. It wasn’t just a silly little show that Randie watched on her own; her mom and I enjoyed watching with her. "SpongeBob SquarePants” was her thing and it was our thing. 

The idea that the mind and the imagination that created this strange magic known as "SpongeBob SquarePants” is no longer with us leaves me despondent beyond words.

Stephen Hillenburg graduated from Humboldt State University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, with an emphasis on marine resources. He then became a marine biology teacher at the Orange County Marine Institute (now the Ocean Institute) in Dana Point, California. This interest, combined with his artistic talent and love of the sea and its creatures, led him to write and illustrate stories as teaching tools with characters that would later become the denizens of SpongeBob's home, Bikini Bottom.

His career in animation career began in 1987 when he pursued a degree in Experimental Animation at the California Institute of Arts in Valencia and earning his Master of Fine Arts in 1992. That same year he won an award for Best Animated Concept at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for his animated short "Wormholes", which went on to be shown at various international animation festivals. From 1993 to 1996 he worked as a director and writer on Nickelodeon's series "Rocko's Modern Life."

Then came "SpongeBob SquarePants”, the first episode airing on Nickelodeon on May 1, 1999 and now, nearly 20 years later and 250 episodes to date, "SpongeBob SquarePants” is a pop culture icon, beloved by people of all ages. In addition to the TV show, "SpongeBob SquarePants” has starred in two motion pictures and a Broadway musical. 

Stephen Hillenburg created something wonderful and weird that brought joy and laughter to millions. This world can always use more wonderful and weird, joy and laughter. I am grateful for Hillenburg’s contribution to making the world a brighter, happier place.

My heart is sad that Stephen Hillenburg is gone. I am glad that he made a difference in his short time upon this earth, a difference that my family and I are most thankful for.