Stephen Hillenburg was an American animator, writer, and director best known for creating the popular animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Born on August 21, 1961, in Lawton, Oklahoma, he studied marine biology and later pursued a career in animation, blending his love for the ocean with his artistic talents. Hillenburg's work on SpongeBob SquarePants began in 1999 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, appealing to both children and adults. He served as the show's executive producer and writer, shaping its unique humor and memorable characters until his passing on November 26, 2018.