Tom Kenny, Voice Actor, Reveals SpongeBob SquarePants is Autistic
TOM KENNY – The voice actor for SpongeBob SquarePants hinted at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit that the popular character might be neurodivergent.
During a panel discussion, a fan with autism asked Kenny if SpongeBob is autistic. Kenny replied positively, saying, “SpongeBob’s kind of on the spectrum too as a character.” He shared that this was the first time he had been asked such a question and confidently confirmed, “Yes, of course!” He further explained that SpongeBob’s traits could be seen as a superpower, just like the fan’s own abilities.
Kenny’s comments were met with applause and cheers from the audience, showing their approval. This interaction has become widely shared online, but it’s not the first time Kenny has talked about SpongeBob’s neurodivergent traits. On Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast in 2012, Kenny mentioned that SpongeBob’s characteristics resonate with kids on the autism spectrum. He described SpongeBob as being very focused on his job, hardworking, and deeply interested in his tasks, noting that these traits match with autistic behaviors.
Tom Kenny has received praise for his work, winning Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program in 2018 and 2020 for his role as SpongeBob. Besides voicing SpongeBob, Kenny has voiced characters such as the Ice King in “Adventure Time” and its spinoff “Fionna and Cake,” the Narrator and Mayor in “The Powerpuff Girls,” Carl in “Johnny Bravo,” and Spyro in “The Spyro” video game series.
SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg, first appeared in 1999 and quickly became a famous character in animation. The show follows SpongeBob, an optimistic and hardworking sea sponge living in a pineapple under the sea in Bikini Bottom. With his cheerful personality and fun adventures, SpongeBob has delighted audiences of all ages and continues to be a beloved symbol of joy and resilience. The character’s potential representation of neurodivergent individuals adds another meaningful aspect to his lasting popularity.