SpongeBob SquarePants voice actor Tom Kenny has officially confirmed that Bikini Bottom's favourite resident is autistic.
Kenny, who has voiced the yellow sea sponge since the animated show's debut on Nickelodeon way back in 1999, confirmed the news at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit.
In a video posted to ToonHive's X account, Kenny recalled the time he was approached by a fan "on the spectrum" who asked if SpongeBob was autistic.
Related: Best streaming services UK 2024
"SpongeBob's kind of on the spectrum too as a character," he told the crowd. "It was the first time I'd ever been asked this question. A person who was obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said: 'I have a question for you, Tom Kenny. Is SpongeBob autistic?'"
Kenny then recalled answering: "'Of course!' I said: 'You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that's your superpower'."
What to Read Next
Kenny previously opened up about SpongeBob being neurodivergent on the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast in 2012, saying at the time: "I don't know what there is in that show that talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum, but more than other cartoons... because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic. Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really, really deep into something."
Related: Best movies on Netflix
SpongeBob SquarePants has been airing since 1999 and has so far produced 14 seasons and three feature-length movies: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004), Sponge Out Of Water (2015) and Sponge On The Run (2020).
Meanwhile, a fourth movie titled Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is set to arrive on Netflix next month.
The film's official synopsis reads: "When Bikini Bottom and all its residents are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas to save the town from a villainous plot."
Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie will arrive on Netflix on August 2, 2024.
You Might Like...
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
