Stephen Hillenburg, creator of Nickelodeon TV show Spongebob Squarepants, has died at the age of 57, after a year long battle with ALS.
Almost in its twentieth year, the cartoon has spawned a movie and broadway musical while also being subtitled in 60 languages.
In a statement, Nickelodeon said Steve’s 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.