SpongeBob SquarePants has been a beloved animated TV series for over two decades, bringing joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. What many may not know is how the children of the show's actors reacted when it first premiered in 1999. Recently, some members of the cast shared their kids' initial impressions during a chat with PEOPLE, shedding light on their personal experiences.
Carolyn Lawrence, the talented voice behind Sandy Cheeks, opened up about her two girls and their differing opinions on the show. 'I have two girls. My oldest never liked the show,' Lawrence revealed. However, her youngest daughter continues to find delight in it. Lawrence shared, 'But my youngest, I still hear her giggling. She'll watch it, I can hear her laughing and laughing.' It seems that SpongeBob's antics manage to capture the hearts of some fans, even within the actors' own households.
Bill Fagerbakke, who brings lovable Patrick Star to life, reminisced about the moment he realized the show's potential. 'That was the way I realized the pilot was as good as I thought it was,' Fagerbakke explained. Initially, he didn't fully grasp the show's brilliance until he received the pilot episode on a video cassette. Excited to share it with his daughters, Carson and Hannah, who were 4 and 6 at the time, Fagerbakke recalled, 'And I called them and I said, 'Watch this.' And they loved it.' The enthusiastic response from his children solidified his belief that SpongeBob SquarePants had something special to offer.
Tom Kenny, the voice of the iconic SpongeBob SquarePants himself, also shared his experience as a parent of two. His kids, Mack and Nora, grew up with SpongeBob being a part of their lives both as a family business and a sensation among their classmates. Kenny reflected, '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.' It's evident that Kenny's children were able to appreciate SpongeBob's charm without feeling overshadowed by their father's role in the show.
As SpongeBob SquarePants continues to entertain and inspire new generations, it's fascinating to hear anecdotes about how the show has been embraced by the families of its own cast members. Despite their initial skepticism or uncertainty, the children of Carolyn Lawrence, Bill Fagerbakke, and Tom Kenny have all found something special in the whimsical underwater world of Bikini Bottom. It only goes to show the enduring appeal and timeless humor that SpongeBob SquarePants embodies, captivating both fans around the globe and those closest to the cast.
