Stephen Hillenburg used his love of drawing and marine biology to develop the underwater world of Bikini Bottom. On Tuesday, the cartoonist who created Sspongebob SquarePants died at the age of 57. The devastating news was confirmed by the network that has broadcast the hugely popular cartoon series since 1999, Nickelodeon.
According to the company, the famous cartoonist's cause of death was motor neuron disease (also known as ALS), a condition he revealed he had been diagnosed with in March last year.
Hillenburg graduated from Humboldt State University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, emphasizing on marine resources. It allowed him to become a marine biology teacher at the Orange County Marine Institute (now the Ocean Institute) in Dana Point, California. Combine this experience with the Master of Fine Arts he earned in 1992, and you'll understand why this cartoon artist was so good at creating stories as teaching tools.
SpongeBob Squarepants has aired nearly 250 episodes to date. And the way the fans of the show are mourning Hillenburg's passing is clear that he and his work won't be forgotten. Since hearing the shocking news, people have been sharing the tributes with the famous cartoon characters they have created in honor of the animator who is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen, and son Clay. Bored Panda has collected some of them, inviting you to pay your respects.(h/t variety)
This post may include affiliate links.
Stephen Hillenburg Tribute
Rest In Peace, Stephen Hillenburg
We're Saddened To Hear That Stephen Hillenburg, Creator Of
Stephen Hillenburg Was A Real Inspiration For Me. He Took A Goofy Idea And Turned It Into One Of The Greatest Cartoons In Animation History
I’ve Always Wanted To Live In A Pineapple Under The Sea Rip Stephen Hillenburg
Stephen Hillenburg’s Passing Caught Me By Complete Surprise I Cannot Thank Him Enough For Enlightening My Childhood With Spongebob Squarepants. Rest Easy, Sir
Thank You Stephen Hillenburg
Why Are You Leaving Us So Soon? Rip Stephen Hillenburg (1961-2018)
Working On Some Tribute Art For Stephen Hillenburg
Rip Stephen Hillenburg, Spongebob Squarepants' Creator
Are You Ready, Kids To Say Good Bye, Stephen? I Said, Are You Ready?
Au Revoir, Mr. Hillenburg
"Your love-able creations changed the world for the better. Thank you for all the laughter! Favorite moments or episodes anyone? “pizza delivery” has always been mine"
Rest In Peace To Mr. Stephen Hillenburg For Creating The Show That Had The Biggest Impact On Me And My Childhood, As Well As A Lot Of My Current Sense Of Humour. You’ll Be Missed Dearly
Thank You So Much Mr.hillenburg,you Made My Childhood Colourfull And Funny,i Hope Spongebob Squarepants Is Never Die, Toothanks A Lot, Rest In Peace
Stephen Hillenburg Tribute
Thanks For The Laughs
Rest in Peace creative and humorous Mr. Hillenburg, you brought generations together and saved parents from saccharin overload! You made nerds cool♥️
Stephen Hillenburg Tribute
Bobby (Dedicated To Stephen Hillenburg)
I would have loved to see Patrick in this one. Amazing style!
Part Of My Drive To Be A Cartoonist Is Because Of Stephen Hillenburg. So, Thanks
"Spongebob is the reason I began doodling, I remember when I was in kindergarten, I was sitting next to my friend and she was drawing a picture of Spongebob, I thought it looked absolutely incredible. Me, being the bitter show off that I was, wanted to draw a picture of spongebob better than she did. So I started practicing. And here I am now"
Rest In Peace Stephen Hillenburg. Your With Those Other Great Creators Of Our Childhood, Rest Well In Your Pineapple In The Sky
I wonder if that's supposed to be Charles M. Schulz. Very touching tribute.
It's Walt, Stan always wore his signature shades, Walt wore the suit and tie.
He's got Stan Lee too. I expect amazing stories when I get to Heaven.
two great creators died in a span of less than a month, now there's onion ninjas everywhere
Spongebob Squarepants Maybe Is Having Fun With Stephen Hillenburg Now... It´s Nice Think In That
Stephen Hillenburg Tribute
RIP To Stephen Hillenburg. One Of The Founding Fathers Of My Childhood
“You know, if I were to die right now, in some sort of fiery explosion due to the carelessness of a friend, well that would just be okay.” -Spongebob Squarepants
Sad Day For Bikini Bottom
R.I.P
Stephen Hillenburg Will Be Greatly Missed. He Was A Huge Artistic Inspiration For Me, And Many Others…
Very Quick Tribute To
Thank You, Stephen. Rest In Peace
Rest In Peace, Stephen, You Absolute Legend
"I am absolutely heartbroken over Stephen Hillenburg’s passing. Spongebob has affected and inspired me in ways I couldn’t even begin to describe, and it’s one of my favorite cartoons of all time. "
Spongebob Made Me So Bright, Made Me So Happy. You Have Brighten My Childhood And Adulthood, I Still Watch And Love Spongebob Till Now. May You Have Rest In Peace, Stephan Hillenburg
So Sad To Hear That Stephen Hillenburg Passed Away Yesterday. His Legacy And Creation Will Live On Forever And Ever
It’s Dedicated To The Creator Of The Greatest Influence Of Our Upbringing, And I’m Pretty Sure The Inventor Of Electricity
It's A Sad Day In Bikini Bottom, But Tomorrow Will Be An Awesome Day At The Krusty Krab. Thanks For So Many Good Times
Who Lives In A Pineapple Under The Sea?
"I was sad to hear about the death of Stephen Hillenburg today. I was just talking with my kids this morning about the first time I saw sponge bob and what an impact it had on tv animation. More importantly, it made and still makes a lot of people happy. My family included"
Rip Stephen Hillenburg, A Man Who Truly Shaped So Many Of Our Childhoods And Changed The World Of Cartoons Forever. Thank You So Much For Your Creativity And Thank You For The Laughs
Stephen Hillenburg Tribute
Man I Was So Shocked When I Heard That
Been A Sad Couple Of Weeks Right After Stan Lee Another Legend From Our Childhood Has Passed May They Never Be Forgotten
I Am Extremely Sad About The News Of Sponge Bob Creator Stephen Hillenburg Passing Away
"Sponge Bob has existed since I was a baby and it was a huge part of my childhood, it is also a huge part of my life and even a part of myself and who I am today. The reason why I’m studding animation is this show, and I will always be infinitely thankful for the huge creativity and beautiful humor of Stephen Hillenburg"
R. I. P. Stephen Hillenburg
Sad To Hear
Rip Stephen Hillenburg
R.i.p. Stephen Hillenburg, Creator Of One Of The Most Imaginative, Fun, Innocent And Brilliant Worlds That No One With A Sliver Of An Imagination Could Ever Grow Out Of
Age 55 I have never ever seen an episode of SpongeBob. Think I need to change that.
What is wrong with Bored Panda and the sudden infestation of onion ninjas??? I need answers!
ALS is one of the cruellest diseases out there. Please donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are working for the cure for ALS and so many other horrible and terminal forms of MD. Your money DOES go to help families, kids, and to find cures. I speak from very personal experience. Don't let ALS take one more wonderful person!
These are ALL so awesomely beautiful and sad. I love Sponge Bob, always have. Rest in peace, Mr. Hillenburg.
To be honest, I was never a huge fan of Spongebob. I didn't hate it, I just didn't get really into it. Yet I could see why it was popular and well loved. I also appreciate that Stephen was able to create such a memorable cartoon character. We definitely lost him too soon.
I CANT FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE.. *starts crying* REST IN PEACE, HILLENBURG!!! *sniff, starts sobbing*
I have never seen a single minute of this but i fully appreciate the artist behind it and these tributes were very touching. Made a lot of kids happy and that's always a great thing. RIP Stephen.
I honestly have never watched spongebob, everyone around me my age constantly talks about it, but i just might belive the hype
I still watch this cartoon and am 34, so sad that such talented man is gone..
Age 55 I have never ever seen an episode of SpongeBob. Think I need to change that.
What is wrong with Bored Panda and the sudden infestation of onion ninjas??? I need answers!
ALS is one of the cruellest diseases out there. Please donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are working for the cure for ALS and so many other horrible and terminal forms of MD. Your money DOES go to help families, kids, and to find cures. I speak from very personal experience. Don't let ALS take one more wonderful person!
These are ALL so awesomely beautiful and sad. I love Sponge Bob, always have. Rest in peace, Mr. Hillenburg.
To be honest, I was never a huge fan of Spongebob. I didn't hate it, I just didn't get really into it. Yet I could see why it was popular and well loved. I also appreciate that Stephen was able to create such a memorable cartoon character. We definitely lost him too soon.
I CANT FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE.. *starts crying* REST IN PEACE, HILLENBURG!!! *sniff, starts sobbing*
I have never seen a single minute of this but i fully appreciate the artist behind it and these tributes were very touching. Made a lot of kids happy and that's always a great thing. RIP Stephen.
I honestly have never watched spongebob, everyone around me my age constantly talks about it, but i just might belive the hype
I still watch this cartoon and am 34, so sad that such talented man is gone..
