The creator of the animated series Sponge Bob Square Pants Died

"We are extremely saddened by the announcement of Steve Hillenberg's death after a battle with ALS," the channel said. "He was a loved friend and a long-time creative partner for everyone at Nickelodeon, and we sympathize with his family. Steve infused his sense of the unique humor and innocence of the show "Sponge Bob Square Pants," which has delighted generations of children and families around the world, "added Nickelodeon.

Hillenberg told Variety that he had been diagnosed with ALS in March 2017. Then, he promised to continue working on the series while he could. A source close to Hellenberg told the publication that the multiplier diagnosis had been made at an early stage.

Hillenberg is a marine biologist. After graduating, he taught biology at the California Maritime Institute. Soon Hilleberg received a second degree, but already in the field of animation. Over time, his professional interests combined, which led to the creation of the famous animated series.

"Sponge Bob Square Pants" tells the story of the underwater inhabitants – the Bob Sea Sponge, the starfish Patrick, the squidward octopus, the crab M. Crabs, the Squirrel Sandy and others. They all live in the underwater city. Bikini Bottoms where takes place the action of the animated series.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare and incurable disease of the nervous system. It progresses slowly, progressively affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in paralysis and death. It usually takes between three and five years to detect signs of illness and death.