Actor Tom Kenny Reveals That SpongeBob SquarePants is Autistic
The 62-year-old’s comments on the matter have recently become viral, but this isn’t the first time he’s discussed the subject.
“I don’t know what there is in that show that resonates with kids on the autism spectrum,” he expressed on Marc Maron‘s WTF podcast back in 2012, as reported by The Independent. He continued by saying, “but more than other cartoons—because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic. Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really deep into something.”
Even 25 years after its premiere on Nickelodeon, fans continue to uncover new revelations about their beloved Krusty Krab line cook, including his identification as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2020, Nickelodeon marked Pride Month by posting a picture of SpongeBob standing alongside transgender actor Michael Cohen, known for his role as Schwoz Schwartz in Henry Danger, and Korra from The Legend of Korra, who is bisexual. The caption read, “Celebrating #Pride with the LGBTQ+ community and their allies this month and every month.”