SpongeBob SquarePants star confirms character is autistic

As a gamer and long-time fan of animated shows, I was absolutely thrilled to hear Tom Kenny, the voice actor behind SpongeBob SquarePants, confirm that our beloved character is autistic. This revelation added a whole new dimension to the show for me, as I’ve always felt that there was something unique about SpongeBob and his way of interacting with the world around him.


Tom Kenny, the voice actor behind SpongeBob SquarePants from Bikini Bottom, has made it formally known that this beloved character is identified as being on the autism spectrum.

At the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit, Kenny, who has been the voice behind the yellow sea sponge character since Nickelodeon’s animated show first aired in 1999, announced this news.

On ToonHive’s X account, Kenny shared in a video how a fan, believed to be on the autism spectrum, once questioned him about SpongeBob’s potential autistic traits.

SpongeBob SquarePants star confirms character is autistic

Tom Kenny shared with the audience, “SpongeBob is also portrayed as having traits of being on the autism spectrum in the character.” This was an unexpected query I received for the first time. A spectator, who appeared to be on the autism spectrum, approached me and asked, “Tom Kenny, do you have an answer for me? Is SpongeBob autistic?”

After that, Kenny reminisced about replying with: “Absolutely!” I responded. “You realize that’s just like his special ability, similar to yours.”

In 2012, Kenny revealed on the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast that he believed SpongeBob from SpongeBob SquarePants was neurodivergent. He explained, “I’m not sure what it is about that show that resonates with kids on the autism spectrum more than others, but I think SpongeBob himself exhibits some autistic traits. He’s extremely focused on his job and works diligently, getting completely absorbed in things.”

SpongeBob SquarePants star confirms character is autistic

Since its debut in 1999, Nickelodeon’s popular animated series, “SpongeBob SquarePants,” has resulted in a total of 14 seasons and three full-length films. These movies are titled: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” (2004), “Sponge Out of Water” (2015), and most recently, “Sponge On The Run” (2020).

At the same time, another film called “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Film” will be released on Netflix next month.

As someone who has spent countless hours watching and loving the underwater adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends, I was utterly shocked when I read that their beloved Bikini Bottom had been mysteriously drained out of the ocean. The official synopsis only added to my concern, revealing that Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob were embarking on a perilous journey to Texas to put a stop to this nefarious scheme.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie will arrive on Netflix on August 2, 2024.

Read More

2024-07-24 14:49

Previous post Coronation Street star Sean Wilson is spotted back on set for the first time as he reprises his role as Martin Platt for Helen Worth’s exit storyline
Next post This Week in Star Wars Comics: Darth Vader teams up with another Sith… Luke Skywalker!?