Esteban Hillenburg (August 21, 1961 – November 26, 2018) was an American animator, cartoonist, voice actor, and professor of marine biology from Lawton, Oklahoma. He was famous for creating the SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon TV series). In addition, the 57-year-old entertainer died on November 26, 2018, due to complications from a disease called ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Stephen revealed that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, he also issued a statement in which he states that he continued to work on SpongeBob SquarePants for as long as possible.
The aniator was also the show’s producer, director, and writer. Furthermore, his show later became one of the most successful animated television series in the United States. Also, it is the highest rated show to ever air on Nickelodeon.
During his college days, Stephen created two successful short films called The Green Beret and Wormholes (both 1992). Later, he received a job offer on the Nickelodeon animated television series Rocko’s Modern Life (1993-1996).
Additionally, Hillenburg began developing the characters for The Intertidal Zone in 1994. They were concepts for what became SpongeBob SquarePants. The show first premiered in 1999.
Profile, parents and before fame
The Creator of SpongeBob SquarePants was born on August 21, 1961 in Lawton, Oklahoma, United States. As of 2018, Stephen Hillenburg will age . He was 57 years old at the time of his death. his real full birth name is Stephen McDannell Hillenburg.
Also, his father “Kelly N.Hillenburg Jr.” he worked in the US Armed Forces. He later moved to Orange County, California with his family and worked as a draftsman and designer in the aerospace industry.
Esteban’s mom “Nancy” taught visually impaired students. Furthermore, the cartoonist also had a brother named “Bryan Hillenburg”. He attended Savanna High School. Hillenburg graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University in 1984. He later enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts and received an MFA.
He began his professional career as a professor of marine biology at the Orange County Marine Institute in 1984. In fact, Stephen also wrote The Intertidal Zone (an informational comic) which he used to educate his students. They were tidal pool animals.
Personal affairs, girlfriend and children
Esteban was married to his wife Karen Hillemburg. She is an American chef and philanthropist. The couple also share a son named “Clay Hillenburg” together. He was born in 1998.
Furthermore, Stephen considered his spouse to be the funniest person he had ever met in his life. His son also wanted to be like his father but his future project has not yet been revealed on the internet.
| Lifestyle/Biography | |
|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Stephen McDannell Hillenburg. |
| Nickname | Stephen. |
| Profession | Animator, Cartoonist, Voice Actor and Professor of Marine Biology. |
| Age (as of 2018) | 57 years |
| Date of Birth (DOB), Birthday | August 21, 1961. |
| Death date | November 26, 2018. |
| Birthplace/Hometown | 1. Lawton, Oklahoma, United States. 2. Anaheim, California, United States. |
| Nationality | American. |
| sun sign (zodiac sign) | Lion. |
| ethnicity | white caucasian. |
| Religion | Christendom. |
| Current residence | San Marino, California, United States. |
| Awards | 1. Best Concept at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for “Wormholes” in 1992. 2. Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 2010. 3. Emmy Award for Best Sound Editing in 2014. 4. Award for Television Animation of the National Cartoonists Society. 5. The Winsor McCay Award at the 45th Annie Awards in 2018. |
| Famous for | 1. The creator of the Nickelodeon animated television series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” 2. He recently died at the age of 57. |
| Physical Statistics | |
| height (height) | Feet inches: 5′ 8″ . Centimeters: 173cm . Meters: 1.73 meters . |
| Weight | Kilograms: 79 kg . Pounds: 174 pounds . |
| biceps size | 14.5 inches. |
| Body measurements (chest-waist-hips) | 40-34-35. |
| Shoe Size (US) | 8. |
| Details of the tattoos? | None. |
| eye color | Blue. |
| Hair color | Dark brown. |
| Family | |
| Fathers | Father : Kelly N.Hillenburg Jr. Mom : Nancy. |
| Brothers | Brother: Bryan Hillenburg. |
| Family members | |
| personal life relationship | |
| Marital status | Married. |
| Dating history? | Not available. |
| Girlfriend | None. |
| Name of wife/spouse | Karen Hillenburg. |
| Kids | Son: Clay Hillenburg. |
| Education | |
| Highest Rating | Graduate. |
| College | Sabana High School. |
| Alma mater | 1. Humboldt State University. 2. California Institute of the Arts. |
| Hobbies and favorite things | |
| Favorite Celebrities | Actor: Tom Cruise. Actress: Angelina Jolie. |
| dream vacation destination | Paris. |
| Favorite color | White and yellow. |
| I love to do | Listen to music and read. |
| favorite dishes | Italian food. |
| Heritage | |
| Net assets (approx.) | $100 million US dollars (as of 2018). |
| earnings per month | Under review. |
| Contact details | |
| Office address | not known |
| house details | Will update. |
| Mobile or phone number | N/A |
| Email address | None. |
| Official Web site | Lost. |
Facts about Stephen Hillenburg “Creator of SpongeBob”
- His peers used to call him “a perfectionist workaholic.”
- He also directed The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie in 2004.
- Stephen’s SpongeBob character faced controversy when a promotional video was released in 2005.
- Money Factor : The estimated Stephen Hillenburg Estate is valued at $100 million US dollars, as of fiscal year 2018.
- Additionally, James Dobson of Focus on the Family accused the video of promoting homosexuality.
- The 57-year-old creator also faced a lawsuit that was filed against him.