Tom Kenny, the iconic voice behind SpongeBob SquarePants, recently shared his thoughts on what he thinks is the beloved character’s “superpower” during the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit.
Kenny revealed that he believes SpongeBob is autistic, a notion he first expressed when a fan asked him about it a couple of months ago.
Tom Kenny responds to claim if SpongeBob is autistic:
— ToonHive (@ToonHive) July 23, 2024
“Yes, of course he is! That’s his superpower the way your superpower is.” pic.twitter.com/dkAWkw2bRR
“SpongeBob’s kind of on the spectrum too as a character,” Kenny revealed during a Q&A session, recalling the moment he first addressed SpongeBob’s neurodivergence.
“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?’ I answered, ‘Of course! That’s his superpower, the same way that’s your superpower.’”
Kenny’s heartfelt explanation was met with cheers and applause as the crowd showed their support for the actor and his answer.
Kenny’s Previous Remarks on SpongeBob Squarepants’ Autism
Kenny has never shied away from addressing SpongeBob’s Autism. He previously touched on this topic more than a decade ago in a 2012 episode of Marc Maron’s WTF podcast.
“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 deep into something.”
SpongeBob and Patrick Dished Out on the Show’s Popularity and Longevity
The SpongeBob SquarePants cast has always been open about how the show resonates with viewers.
Kenny, who shares children Mack and Nora with his wife Jill Talley, reflected on his kids growing up with SpongeBob. “My kids grew up with SpongeBob being both the family business and also the biggest thing in the world with their classmates. Because our faces aren’t in it, they were always able to enjoy SpongeBob as something separate from their dumb old parents. That was really good.”
Meanwhile, Bill Fagerbakke, the voice of Patrick Star, discussed his initial uncertainty about the show’s success. He realized its potential when his daughters, Carson and Hannah, reacted positively to the pilot episode.
“They were, at that time, 4 and 6. I called them and said, ‘Watch this.’ And they loved it,” Fagerbakke recalled. “I thought it was going to be fun for a few months, but here we are 25 years later.”