Stephen McDannell Hillenburg was an animator, writer, producer, director, and marine science instructor from the United States. He developed the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, for which he served as show runner for the first three seasons, and which has gone on to become the fifth-longest-running American animated series.
Stephen Hillenburg Biography and Net Worth
Net Worth | $150M |
Birth Date | 21st August 1961 |
Age | 57 |
Death Date | 26th November 2018 |
Profession | Animator Television Producer Film Director |
Stephan Hillenburg Early Life
Stephan was raised on the US Army base of Fort Sill. He spent only a year in Lawton before moving to Orange County, California with his family. His father quit the service and began working as an aircraft draughtsman and designer. Stephen grew up in Anaheim with his younger brother.
Hillenburg was captivated by the videos of legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau from an early age. He also enjoyed exploring tidal pools and gathering different species. Stephen had an interest in painting and shown remarkable aptitude at a young age.
Stephen spent his free time as a high school student playing the trumpet and snorkeling and diving. This sparked his interest in studying marine biology in the future. Stephen finally earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resource planning and interpretation with a concentration in marine resources in 1984. Stephen worked odd jobs after graduating from college until landing a teaching position at the Orange County Marine Institute. He then spent the next three years educating kids about tidal pools, maritime history, variety, and adaptability.
Stephan Hillenburg Career
Hillenburg was hired as director for “Rocko’s Modern Life” after directing a pair of “trippy” and well-received indie animated short films. This was his first time working with Nickelodeon. He was persuaded to develop a TV programme based on his picture book “The Intertidal Zone” while working with numerous Nickelodeon writers and executives. “SpongeBob SquarePants” has become one of the most known animated shows in history since its debut in 1999.
After only a few months, the show had risen to the top of the children’s television ratings. It now generates over $12 billion in merchandising income alone. Hillenburg eventually became less prominent in the show as he focused on making SpongeBob SquarePants movies.
Stephan Hillenburg Death
Hillenburg revealed in 2017 that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The brain and spinal cord are affected by this deadly neurodegenerative illness. Stephen died on November 26th, 2018, at the age of 57.
Stephan Hillenburg Net Worth
Stephen Hillenburg was an American filmmaker, animator, writer, producer, voice artist, and marine scientist who died in 2018 with a net worth of $120 million. Hillenburg is well known for inventing the beloved animated TV series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Stephen was the showrunner for Nickelodeon for the first three seasons. The series is now the fifth-longest-running animated series in the United States.
Stephan Hillenburg Height and Weight
Height | 5’8” |
Weight | 78Kg |
Eye Color | Blue |
Hair Color | Brown |
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