Nickelodeon declares July 14 as ‘SpongeBob Day’

(CBS, KYMA) - Everyone's favorite animated sea-sponge is being honored Tuesday, with a first-ever, day-long celebration.

Nickelodeon officially declared July 14 "SpongeBob Day" to recognize the iconic character and fans who have embraced him since "SpongeBob Squarepants" first aired back in 1999.

What began as the story of an optimistic sea sponge, living in a pineapple under the sea, has grown into a global phenomenon, including movies, gaming and live experiences.

As part of the festivities, SpongeBob voice actor Tom Kenny is hosting a TikTok Live Tuesday afternoon, featuring special bonuses.

"There's a fan favorite episode from ye early days called 'Shanghaied.' Back in the day, fans voted for what ending they wanted," Kenny shared. "And we've animated two alternate endings to that we're going to be showing for the first time on the TikTok broadcast."

Kenny will also be giving first looks at upcoming specials like the hour-long SpongeBob Squarepants "Merry Christmas, Mr. Plankton" and "The Patrick Star Show" Halloween episode, "Scary Tales."

SpongeBob's actual birthday is July 14, 1986, as first revealed on his driver's license in the classic episode, "Sleepy Time."

To learn more about SpongeBob Day, click here.