'SpongeBob SquarePants' creator Stephen Hillenburg ​diagnosed with ALS

Los Angeles: The creator of Nickelodeon's long-running hit show "SpongeBob SquarePants", Stephen Hillenburg has been diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The 55-year-old has revealed that he is suffering from the neurodegenerative disease, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS," said Hillenburg in a statement.

He added he has no plans of taking a break from his role on the series.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on SpongeBob SquarePants and my other passions for as long as I am able. My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honoured during this time," continued Hillenburg.

Hillenburg is married to Karen and the couple has one child.