Stephen Hillenburg | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

SpongeBob Squarepants made his debut during the 2019 Super Bowl Halftime Show after a viral campaign from fans.

Over 1.2 million fans signed a Change.org petition to feature Spongebob in the show and honor the show’s creator Stephen Hillenburg, who passed away last year.

The petition was spurred by a song from a 2001 episode of SpongeBob, titled “Sweet Victory,” that recently went viral in mashups with Travis Scott‘s “Sicko Mode.”

Right before Travis took the stage, the video featuring Spongebob and a marching band playing at a sporting event was broadcast on the screen.

“This really is a testament to both how beloved Spongebob is and the power of everyday people when unified behind a goal. I want to thank everyone for the support and especially Change.org, this wouldn’t have been possible without their platform. I guess, when I think about it, this dream ending fits with Spongebob’s eternal optimism,” petition founder Isreal Colunga said in a statement.

Stay tuned to JustJared.com to see the full performance!

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, passed away late last month at the age of 57 after battling ALS.

Now, his official cause of death has been revealed as “cardiopulmonary failure due to ALS,” according to his death certificate (obtained by TMZ).

His death certificate also noted that he was cremated and his ashes were spread 500 yards off the coast of California into the Pacific Ocean.

Stephen revealed his ALS diagnosis back in 2017.

Our thoughts are with Stephen‘s family and loved ones during this time. RIP.

Stephen Hillenburg has sadly passed away at the age of 57.

The beloved Spongebob Squarepants creator died on Monday (November 26) after a battle with ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2017.

“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,” Nickelodeon said in a statement.

They continued, “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.”

Our thoughts are with Stephen‘s family and friends during this difficult time.

SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg just shared some sad news.

The creator of the Nickelodeon hit animated series revealed that he has been diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease ALS.

“I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS. Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on SpongeBob SquarePants and my other passions for as long as I am able,” he said in a statement to THR.

Stephen continued, “My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honored during this time.”

Our thoughts are with Stephen and his loved ones during this difficult time.