SpongeBob Squarepants voice actor says character is 'autistic': 'That's his superpower'
The voice actor of SpongeBob Squarepants said the iconic cartoon character is "autistic"—and that's his "superpower."
Tom Kenny, during the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit, said SpongeBob is "kind of on the spectrum, too."
In a video shared by ToonHive on X, he recalled when a person "who was obviously on the spectrum" came up to him and asked whether SpongeBob was autistic.
He recalled answering, “‘Of course!' I said, 'You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that’s your superpower.'”
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
Kenny received cheers and applause for his explanation.
It wasn't the first time he talked about SpongeBob having autism. In 2012, Kenny on the WTF Podcast said SpongeBob is "a little autistic," noting the character is "obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really, really deep into something."
"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," he said of SpongeBob.
SpongeBob Squarepants chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of the titular incurably optimistic sea sponge and his undersea friends.
The cartoon celebrated its 25th anniversary last July 14.
Since airing its pilot episode in 1999, SpongeBob Squarepants has become one of the most beloved cartoon shows on television, generating a universe filled with beloved characters, memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical, and a legion of fans that include adults.
According to WebMD, autism or autism spectrum disorder is a complicated, lifelong condition that includes problems with communication and behavior. It usually appears by age 2 or 3.
People with autism have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it hard for them to express themselves in words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch. They may also have problems with learning, and skills might develop unevenly.