SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg has died aged 57

Stephen Hillenburg, creator of Nickelodeon's beloved animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, died on Monday (November 26), aged 57 after battling ALS.

Hillenburg first invited audiences to take a trip to the ocean with SpongeBob and his quirky friends on May 1, 1999, and since then, Nickelodeon has aired 250 SpongeBob episodes internationally and has spawned two films, a Broadway musical, and multiple video game adaptations.

The animated series about a sea sponge was smart enough for adult viewers; and silly enough for kids. In many ways, it was television perfection. Hillenburg was a former marine biology teacher and poured his knowledge into creating the loveable, strange creatures of the pineapple under the sea.

The award-winning show has received critical acclaim over the years and won two Daytime Emmys at this year's ceremony, including the prize for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.

Nickelodeon said of his passing in a statement: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family.

“Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His 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.”