In memory of 'SpongeBob' creator Stephen Hillenburg, an appreciation of the most underrated characters

By Christina SchoellkopfAssistant Editor

Nov. 27, 2018 4:55 PM PT

“I’m ready!” — SpongeBob SquarePants

“Good morning, Krusty crew!” — Patrick Star

“Meow!” — Gary the Snail

These catchphrases delighted generations of kids and families alike on the hit Nickelodeon show “SpongeBob SquarePants.” As the world says goodbye to its creator, Stephen Hillenburg, who died Monday after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), The Times takes a look back at the characters he created who brought to life the world of Bikini Bottom.

With three feature films, a Broadway musical and beyond, the main players in this underwater community like Plankton and Squidward became household names. But die-hard fans know that the joy of this show was in the detail. From the one-episode cameos to running gags, here are more than a dozen of the most underrated “SpongeBob” characters.

Stephen Hillenburg, creator of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ dies at 57