SpongeBob, Hey Arnold Director Dies at Age of 59

Tuck Tucker, who worked as an animator and director for SpongeBob and "Hey Arnold!, died at the age of 59.

The British newspaper Daily Mail stated Monday that Tucker died on December 22, while the cause of death was not disclosed.

His family announced the sad news on their personal Facebook page, where they said in a post: "With a heavy and broken heart, we announce the death of Tucker, father, husband, son, brother and uncle.”

"We know he was loved by everyone he met. Instead of visits, if you have memories of Tuck and want to share them with us, the family will be very grateful to read them," the family’s statement added.

Tucker worked on a wide range of animation, including "Pinocchio," "Emperor of the Night," and "The Simpsons," along with "SpongeBob" and "Hey Arnold”.

He served as storyboard director on 25 episodes of Nickelodeon's Hey Arnold! between 1996 and 1999 and directed Hey Arnold! The Movie in 2002 as well as episodes of the series from 1999 to 2004.

He was recently working on "Bob's Burgers", which is currently in production.

In 2018, Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the SpongeBob series, died at the age of 57, after a battle with ALS.