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Voice of SpongeBob SquarePants Tom Kenny to Visit Syracuse University

Syracuse native Tom Kenny, voice of SpongeBob SquarePants among other popular cartoon characters, is visiting Syracuse University to meet with students on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Voice actor Tom Kenny jumping for joyKenny will discuss what it takes to build a creative career and his journey in the film, animation, and music industries. He will meet with students participating in the Intelligence++ program and InclusiveU for an informal chat about how neurodiversity is a “creative superpower.”

Later, Kenny will speak to the broader campus community about his experience growing up in Syracuse, connecting with like-minded creatives and his career trajectory. Kenny will share his experience on the skills needed to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and how to find your own creative voice, inspiring a new generation to learn more about content creation, storytelling, and audience engagement.

  • 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.: Guest visit with Intelligence ++ Class and InclusiveU students. Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, Bird Library.
  • 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Informal discussion and Q&A open to campus community on “Creative Entrepreneurial Journey,” moderated by Oscar Arce and Paul Kozlowski. Location: Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Grand Flaum Hall.

Kenny’s visit to Syracuse University is being sponsored by Syracuse University Libraries, Intelligence++, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

Kenny is a beloved and iconic figure in the world of entertainment, captivating audiences for decades with his unparalleled talent as a voice actor, comedian, and musician. Born and raised in Syracuse, Kenny’s journey from a small-town upbringing to global recognition stands as a testament to his creativity.

Before voicing SpongeBob SquarePants, Kenny was a prominent figure in the comedy scene, often performing with his childhood friend Bobcat Goldthwait. He was a regular on HBO’s Mr. Show with Bob and David, a cult-comedy series. He also voices many characters in animated shows such as Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls, and CatDog. His remarkable ability to infuse unique personalities into animated characters has made him a sought-after talent in the industry, with more than 500 acting credits.

Kenny is best known as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, the iconic character from Nickelodeon’s hit series created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg. Since the show’s debut in 1999, Kenny’s portrayal of the lovable and optimistic sea sponge has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Annie Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards. The show is one of the longest-running animated series with spin offs, three feature films, a Broadway musical, and a franchise that includes theme park attractions, video games, toys, and merchandise.

Beyond being a voice talent, Kenny is an accomplished writer, director, producer, film and television actor, and versatile content creator. He is an accomplished musician, performing with his band Tom Kenny and The Hi-Seas, which combines high-energy rock and roll with theatrical flair. Despite his global success, Kenny has remained connected to his Syracuse roots. He frequently credits his upbringing in the region for nurturing his creativity and instilling values that have guided him throughout his career. Most recently, Tom shared that SpongeBob is neurodivergent, which is his superpower—as it is for so many people.