[ad_1]
Stephen Hillenburg, whose film "SpongeBob SquarePants" became an international hit, dies at 57.
Nickelodeon says Hillenburg died Monday of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Hillenburg conceived, wrote, produced and directed the animated series that began in 1999 and gave birth to hundreds of episodes, films and a Broadway show.
"We are extremely saddened by the announcement of the death of Steve Hillenburg as a result of a battle against ALS," Nickelodeon said in a statement. "He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner for everyone at Nickelodeon, and our heart goes out to all his family. Steve imbu 'SpongeBob SquarePants'With a unique sense of humor and innocence that has blessed generations of children and families around the world. His completely original characters and the universe of Bikini Bottom will long remember the value of optimism, friendship and unlimited power of the imagination. "
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Hillenburg began his career in animation in 1987 before experiencing a critical period between 1993 and 1996, when he became a director and scriptwriter for the Nickelodeon series. The modern life of Rocko.
The first episode of SpongeBob SquarePants aired on Nickelodeon in the United States on May 1, 1999 and 250 episodes have been aired to date.
He is survived by his wife Karen Hillenburg, his son Clay, his mother Nancy Hillenburg (nee Dufour) and his brother Brian Kelly Hillenburg.
Source link
