'SpongeBob SquarePants' Creator Stephen Hillenburg, 57, Dies After Battle With ALS
LOS ANGELES (CBS13) - Stephen Hillenburg, whose cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants" became an international hit, has died at 57.
Hillenburg revealed he was battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2017.
Nickelodeon confirmed Hillenburg's passing and tweeted they will be observing a moment of silence in honor of him.
???? We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. ????
— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018
Hillenburg worked with Nickelodeon first on the cartoon "Rocko's Modern Life" before creating "SpongeBob SquarePants." The cartoon, which premiered in 1999, about a yellow sea sponge went on to be Nickelodeon's most popular show - as well as a cultural icon.
He is survived by his wife Karen and son Clay, born in 1998.
More information to come.