'SpongeBob SquarePants' voice actor Tom Kenny lauded as he shares cartoon’s unique ‘superpower’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Kenny, a famous voice actor, has recently gained attention on social media after sharing his thoughts on 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.

This follows an online discussion where people referred to SpongeBob as 'autistic'.

For context, 'SpongeBob SquarePants' is an American animated TV series created by Stephen Hillenburg. It first aired on Nickelodeon on May 1, 1999, as a sneak peek after the Kids' Choice Awards and officially premiered on July 17, 1999. 

The show features a yellow sea sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants who works as a cook at the Krusty Krab and has various adventures with his friends in Bikini Bottom.

Tom Kenny's response over SpongeBob's autism garners support

Tom Kenny who voiced the titular character in 'SpongeBob SquarePants', discussed SpongeBob's autism at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit. 

During a Q&A session, a video posted to discuss film's X account showed Kenny recalling his initial revelation about the character’s neurodivergence. 

“SpongeBob's kind of on the spectrum too as a character,” he said. He recounted the first time he was asked this question by someone on the spectrum, who asked, “Is SpongeBob autistic?” Kenny replied, “Of course!” and added, “You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that’s your superpower.” The crowd cheered in support of his answer.

Amid ongoing online discussions about SpongeBob’s autism, a previous video resurfaced. In October 2012, Kenny had mentioned on Marc Maron's WTF podcast that SpongeBob's character might resonate with kids on the autism spectrum. 

He described "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."

Kenny, who has children Mack and Nora with his wife Jill Talley, shared his personal experience, as per People.

“My kids grew up with SpongeBob being both the family business and also the biggest thing in the world with their classmates,” he said. “And maybe because our faces aren't in it, they were always able to enjoy SpongeBob as something separate and apart from their dumb old parents. That was really good.”

Tom Kenny's fans respect his claims about SpongeBob

After watching the latest discussion about Tom Kenny’s comments on SpongeBob’s autistic character, internet users have shared their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

One user tweeted, "Will say I hate it being called a superpower, because it really isn’t. However, I absolutely love the sentiment and what he’s saying. Take note, Hollywood, instead of arguing why your character is just ~quirky, be this proud and passionate about the idea." 

One person shared a GIF of a man standing and saying, "I respect that," in reference to Kenny's comments about SpongeBob. 

Another user shared their experience with an autistic support classroom, "I agree. I work in an autistic support classroom and I've had kids with this kind of positive,helping, joyous outlook towards others. Thank you!"

The fourth user questioned, "Why are people so weird about autism?" Another user dubbed it, "Goated response."

The last user wrote, "That’s incredible! It’s always great to see certain characters with autism! Support Autism Awareness!👍"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online