Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the long-running hit Nickelodeon series \u201cSpongeBob SquarePants,\u201d has revealed that he has been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease ALS.<\/p>\n
The 55-year-old animator shared a statement with Variety announcing the diagnosis and his intent to continue working on the series, which has been on the air since 1999.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS.,\u201d the statement reads. \u201cAnyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on \u2018SpongeBob SquarePants\u2019 and my other passions for as long as I am able. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A source close to Hillenburg said he received the diagnosis recently and is in the early stages of the disease. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a rare terminal illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.<\/p>\n
Hillenburg is a former marine biology teacher who channeled his love of the ocean into animation. \u201cSpongeBob\u201d began as a Saturday morning cartoon in 1999, before transitioning to primetime, where it became a multibillion-dollar franchise popular among kids and adult viewers as well.<\/p>\n
Hillenburg also directed 2004\u2019s \u201cThe SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,\u201d as well as a co-writer and executive producer on the 2015 sequel. He stepped down as the showrunner to work on the first movie but remained an executive producer. Last March, Nickelodeon renewed \u201cSpongeBob\u201d for a 10th and 11th season, which will keep the series on the air for well over 200 episodes.<\/p>\n
\u201cSteve Hillenburg is a brilliant creator who brings joy to millions of fans,\u201d read a statement Nickelodeon issued. \u201cOur thoughts and support are with Steve and his family during this difficult time. Out of respect for their wishes for privacy, we will have no further comment.\u201d<\/p>\n