Stephen Hillenburg, whose animated show 'SpongeBob SquarePants' became an international hit, has died at 57.
CBS says Hillenburg was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in March of 2017.
The Hollywood Reporter said Hillenburg was a nine-time Emmy nominee for 'Spongebob' but never won.
'SpongeBob SquarePants' debuted in May of 1999.
Nickolodeon tweeted on Tuesday that they will be "observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work."
(Associated Press, Hollywood Reporter, CBS contributed to this report).
?? We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. ??
— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018
