The Internet Pays Homage to the Creator of 'SpongeBob SquarePants'

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Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of Nickelodeon's popular, iconic, and oh-so memeable animated series SpongeBob SquarePants passed away on Monday at the age of 57.

\u201c#SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg dies at 57 https://t.co/Q58TRnhYoS\u201d
— Variety (@Variety) 1543339847

"We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS," Nickelodeon said in a statement reported by Variety. "He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination."

Because of the now-classic show's impact on the childhoods of many millennials, fans from all over the world are expectedly saddened by the news of Hillenburg's passing.

Here's how the internet is paying tribute to an amazing artist and creator:

\u201cThis really hit me hard \ud83d\ude13The creator of Spongebob Squarepants, Stephen Hillenburg, passed away today at age 57. Thank you for making our childhoods amazing, may you Rest In Peace \u2764\ufe0f\u201d
— Rug (@Rug) 1543343877

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— Forever ACDC \ud83e\udd1f\ud83e\udd1f\ud83e\udd1f (@Forever ACDC \ud83e\udd1f\ud83e\udd1f\ud83e\udd1f) 1543341504

\u201c\u201cI wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS.\u201d\n\n\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.\u201d\n\nRest in Peace, Stephen Hillenburg.\u201d
— logan\u2728 (@logan\u2728) 1543340793

\u201cRIP Stephen Hillenburg (1961-2018), gone too soon. A marine biologist by training, he went on to create the perfect cartoon Candide - SpongeBob Squarepants. Read this excellent oral history of #SpongeBob, by Tom Heintjes: https://t.co/zTaMUig78H\u201d
— Story Lab at Duke (@Story Lab at Duke) 1543341114

\u201c\ud83d\udc9b 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. \ud83d\udc9b\u201d
— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) 1543340053

— (@)

\u201cThe toons of my teens and the memes of my twenties. Thanks for the giggles Spongebob. RIP Stephen Hillenburg\u201d
— Stephanie Walton (@Stephanie Walton) 1543344829

\u201cSpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg has passed away at 57.\n\nThe internet would be completely different without you, R.I.P. \ud83d\ude4f\u201d
— Cycle (@Cycle) 1543345258

\u201cDamn it really is crazy how much influence SpongeBob has had. Next year is the 20th anniversay of the show\u2019s premiere. Stephen Hillenburg really put his creativity towards something beautiful and fun for everybody. An inspiration in the truest sense. Some of my favorite episodes:\u201d
— dal (@dal) 1543344827

\u201cI am absolutely shook about #StephenHillenburg passing.\n\nHe created Spongebob at age 37 in 1999. It started as a low budget show that rampaged its way to success & culture mainstay.\n\nAbsolute legend. I already miss you.\u201d
— trihex (@trihex) 1543345344

\u201cSpongebob was an ART FORM. I will love and quote spongebob until I die. Rest In Peace Stephen Hillenburg \u2764\ufe0f\u201d
— TayTay (@TayTay) 1543345421

\u201cSpongebob's weird humor probably did more to influence this generation's love of absurdity more than any other show and it's that weirdness that keeps us going through these dark times. Rest in peace, Stephen Hillenburg.\u201d
— Sam Sykes (@Sam Sykes) 1543345122

\u201cHere's a comic I did about a year and a half ago when Stephen Hillenburg's diagnosis went up. I was upset then and I'm upset now, both over the loss of a huge influence to me while it gets all mixed up with my own loss.\u201d
— Sara Goetter (@Sara Goetter) 1543341962

\u201cRIP to Stephen Hillenburg. The creator of Spongebob and thus, the meme GOAT.\u201d
— Akilah Hughes (@Akilah Hughes) 1543342360

\u201cIt's extremely rare when someone conceives something so unpredictably unique, appeals to so many, resonates thru generations, transcends into a cultural phenomenon so quickly, touches so many lives & sets a standard for nearly everything that follows. RIP Stephen Hillenburg\u201d
— Michael Ruocco (@Michael Ruocco) 1543342038

\u201cSpongebob is incredible and even the things that try to imitate it full on can\u2019t even approach the effectiveness of the comedy and characters. It\u2019s a perfect creation that was lovingly made by an incredible creator. I\u2019m so sad to hear Stephen Hillenburg has passed\u201d
— Emmy Cicierega (@Emmy Cicierega) 1543343243

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— KolonaRulez\ud83d\ude3c\ud83e\udea1 (@KolonaRulez\ud83d\ude3c\ud83e\udea1) 1543344025

\u201cStephen Hillenburg brought us years of joy with SpongeBob SquarePants. Thank you for sharing so many stories under the sea.\u201d
— Nerdist (@Nerdist) 1543343332

\u201cRIP Stephen Hillenburg\n\nhis work has affected so many people, influencing young artists and bringing joy and humor to people for decades now. let's reflect on how much this show has brought us happiness\n\nwhat's your favorite spongebob episode/character/memory?\u201d
— Olive Rae Brinker (@Olive Rae Brinker) 1543343057