(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

The creator of “SpongeBob Square Pants” dies.

FOX’s Michelle Pollino reports:

“SpongeBob SquarePants,” creator Stephen Hillenburg, died following a battle with ALS at 57-years-old.

Nickelodeon tweeting out the news followed by a statement writing, “Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere.”

Adding, “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.”

Michelle Pollino, FOX News.

Follow Michelle on Twitter: @MichellPollino