Today Stephen passed away from ALS, which was diagnosed about a year ago. While some way have varying opinions about the cartoon, Stephen's work has influenced decades of cartoons and more decades to come.

Thanks Stephen for your creativity and hours of silly entertainment.

How tragic! And he was just 57! It's too sad that ALS has brought his life to an early end so quickly, but at least he will always be remebered for creating such an unforgettable, emblematic cartoon character. RIP :'(

I was JUST telling my brother about him last night, since he'd been watching old Rocko episodes. This is awful.

rip ya goofy goober.

I remember the very first time Spongebob aired, it was just after the Kid's Choice Awards. The first few seasons were excellent and are still so quotable to this day. Thanks Mr. Hillenburg. ALS is a bitch.

I've loved Spondebob so so hard during my childhood. I still do to this day and it makes me sad to learn of his passing. ALS is such a terrible disease that has taken the life of a wonderful creator. May he rest in peace with all the goofy goobers!

I had forgotten Stephen Hillenburg had been diagnosed with ALS, so his death came as a surprise to me. 57 is a pretty damn young age to die. I'm glad Spongebob is being continued through online culture and memes. Apparently the newer episodes aren't that bad either. The show was a constant in my childhood and I still have a large soft spot for it. RIP.

This broke my heart.