HUGE LOSS FOR THIS POPULAR CARTOON SERIES!

SpongeBob is a popular cartoon series and has aired for nearly two decades since its premiere on May 1, 1999, bringing characters SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr Krabs, into life. The show was founded by Stephen Hillenburg. 

Reports from Hollywood say, Stephen has passed away, aged 57. This happened because of a or neurone disease (also known as ALS). Hillenburg also directed the 2004 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. The channel that aired the cartoon, Nickelodeon released a statement on Twitter: "We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants."

It also added: "Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humour 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.”

*Tweets are not spellchecked.