Stephen McDannell Hillenburg ( born August 21 , 1961 ) is an American marine biologist , cartoonist , animator , director , producer , writer , and voice actor , who is best known for creating the Nickelodeon animated television series `` SpongeBob SquarePants '' .
Stephen McDannell Hillenburg ( born August 21 , 1961 ) is an American marine biologist , marine scientist , animator , writer , producer , actor , voice actor , and director . He is best known for creating the Nickelodeon animated series `` SpongeBob SquarePants '' .