Stephen Hillenburg was a marine biologist who created Spongebob as a part of a project to help educate kids on the ocean while working at the orange county marine institute. many of the characters in this educational comic went on to become a part of the series, including the future cartoon’s titular character, then known as Bob the Sponge.
this cartoon revolutionized the industry and in its initial boom was widely adored for its ability to be enjoyed by all ages and all demographics, creating an animated juggernaut for its generation akin to the simpsons or looney tunes, with people of all stripes able to remember its finest moments at the drop of a hat.
hillenburg began his official work on this groundbreaking program 15 years after graduating college. he left his career at the marine institute to study at CalArts. he didnt get his MFA until the early 90s. spongebob squarepants, now considered by many to be nickelodeon’s premier nicktoon, began airing the year he turned 38. his adventure as a professional truly shows the power of pursuing far-flung dreams, and that someone can do something huge long after their supposed “prime.”
this man changed animation, nickelodeon, and the childhoods of millions of people around the world forever in his unfortunately short life. i think it should be known just how much he managed to do in his time here, though, and his work and lofty ambition was something to be admired.
the above clip, featuring tiny tim’s “Living in the Sunlight,” is from the debut episode, “Help Wanted,” partially written by Hillenburg. It perfectly encapsulates the completely unorthodox and wildly entertaining tone that made this show so great.
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