Former marine biology teacher Stephen had worked on SpongeBob since 1999.
Who was SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg?
Stephen Hillenburg created the much-loved children’s TV character and also directed The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie in 2004.
The American was born on August 21, 1961.
He started his career in marine biology at the Orange County Marine Institute.
Stephen enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts in 1989 to study animation and was later offered a job with Nickelodeon and worked on Rock’s Modern Life.
He picked up two Emmy Awards and six Annie Awards for his work on the show.
He's survived by his wife, Karen, and his son, Clay.
His hobbies included surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and playing “noisy rock music” on his guitar.
The show was also made into a Broadway Musical which won a Tony Award earlier this year.
What was his cause of death?
He died on November 26, 2018 due to complications from ALS.
ALS is a terminal illness that affects and causes the death of neurons that control the brain and spinal cord.
The disease is characterised by stiff muscles, muscle twitching and worsening weakness, resulting in speaking and swallowing and eventually breathing.
A statement from him at the time of his announcement read: "My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honoured during this time."
Did he have ALS?
He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also known as motor neurone disease (MND) – in 2017 but said he would work on the show for as long as possible.
He disclosed his illness to Variety in March 2017.
Source: Read Full Article