Stephen Hillenburg, creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, dies at 57 of ALS

Stephen Hillenburg, the visionary creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” died Monday, Nickelodeon and Jessica Berger, a rep for his family, confirmed to USA TODAY. The cause of death was ALS.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a rare terminal illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

“SpongeBob” is Nickelodeon’s biggest all-time hit, and has aired for nearly two decades since its premiere on May 1, 1999, bringing characters SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Sandy Cheeks, Plankton, Pearl Krabs, Mrs. Puff and Larry the Lobster to life.

Hillenberg’s cheery SpongeBob, awash in puns and happily flipping Krabby Patties at the Krusty Krab eatery, became a pop culture sensation.

Famous folks filed in to voice characters over the years, including Amy Poehler, Johnny Depp, LeBron James, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Kristin Wiig, Mark Hamill, Betty White and Jon Hamm.

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