If you’ve spent any time on the internet or in front of a TV since 1999, you know that laugh. It’s a staccato, dolphin-like giggle that vibrates with pure, unadulterated optimism. But if you’ve ever stopped to wonder who does SpongeBob voice, you’re not just looking for a name—you’re looking for Tom Kenny.
Tom Kenny is a legend. Honestly, that’s not hyperbole. While most actors are lucky to have one iconic role, Kenny has built an entire universe with his vocal cords. As of early 2026, he is still the definitive voice of the world’s most famous sea sponge, a role he has inhabited for over a quarter of a century.
The Legend of Tom Kenny
Tom Kenny wasn't always a sponge. Before he moved to Bikini Bottom, he was a stand-up comedian and a sketch actor on cult classics like Mr. Show with Bob and David. He’s from Syracuse, New York. He grew up loving comic books and old records, which probably explains why he’s so good at creating characters that feel like they stepped out of a vintage radio play.
He didn't just "get" the job. He was handpicked. Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the show and a marine biologist, worked with Kenny on Rocko’s Modern Life. Hillenburg saw something in Kenny—a specific kind of manic energy and "child-man" quality—that fit his vision for a porous, yellow protagonist.
How the Voice Actually Happened
The origin story of the voice is kinda weird. It wasn't a calculated corporate decision. Kenny actually based the voice on a minor, throwaway character he did for a crowd scene in Rocko's Modern Life.
Hillenburg remembered it. He told Kenny he wanted something that was a mix between a child and an adult. Think Jerry Lewis or Stan Laurel. It needed to be high-pitched but not annoying—well, maybe a little annoying to Squidward, but endearing to us.
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Then there’s the laugh.
The laugh was inspired by the way surfers or "lads" might sound when they’re trying to do a controlled, rhythmic giggle. Kenny has described it as a "percussive" sound. He does it by hitting the back of his throat in a way that most people would find physically painful after five minutes. He’s been doing it for 26 years.
Who Does SpongeBob Voice in 2026?
If you're worried about recasts, don't be. Tom Kenny is still the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants in the current 16th season and the latest 2025/2026 film releases, including The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
In recent interviews, Kenny has mentioned that he still views this as the "best job in the world." He’s 63 now. You might notice the voice has shifted slightly over the decades—it’s a bit higher and more "squeaky" now than the slightly deeper, "carnival barker" tone of Season 1—but the soul is identical.
More Than Just a Yellow Sponge
It's easy to forget that Tom Kenny is a one-man army in the recording booth. If you listen closely, he’s everywhere in Bikini Bottom. He isn’t just the lead; he’s a huge chunk of the supporting cast.
- Gary the Snail: Yes, every "meow" is Tom.
- The French Narrator: The Jacques Cousteau parody? That's him.
- Patchy the Pirate: This is Tom’s live-action role. He puts on the eye patch and the beard for the special segments.
- Harold SquarePants: He even voices SpongeBob’s dad.
Beyond the ocean, Kenny has a resume that would make any actor jealous. He was the Ice King in Adventure Time. He was Spyro the Dragon in the original games. He’s the Mayor of Townsville in The Powerpuff Girls. He’s basically the background noise of your entire childhood.
Why the Voice Matters
Animation is a weird medium. Usually, if a live-action actor leaves a show, the show dies or undergoes a "Cousin Oliver" transition. In cartoons, voices are often swapped out when actors get too expensive or retire.
But SpongeBob is different.
The chemistry between Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke (the voice of Patrick Star) is a huge reason the show hasn't felt "stale" to many fans, even after 25 years. They record together in the room whenever possible. That’s rare in modern animation where actors often record their lines alone in separate cities.
Is There a Replacement?
There have been rumors for years about Nickelodeon finding a "backup" voice for Kenny, especially as the franchise expands into spinoffs like Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show.
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Honestly? There is no official replacement. While there are plenty of talented impressionists on TikTok and YouTube who can mimic the laugh perfectly, the "acting" part is much harder to replicate. Kenny doesn't just do a voice; he plays a character who feels fear, joy, and existential dread over a dropped Krabby Patty.
What You Should Know Now
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of voice acting or just want to appreciate the craft, there are a few things you can actually do to see the "man behind the curtain" in action:
- Watch the "Sailor Mouth" Outtakes: There are legendary stories of Kenny laughing so hard during the recording of the "curse word" episode that he ended up on the floor. It shows the genuine fun the cast has.
- Check out "Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas": Tom is also a musician. He fronts a 13-piece "rock-n-soul" band. Seeing him sing in his natural, gravelly voice is a trip after hearing SpongeBob for three hours.
- Listen to the "Big Three" Influences: If you want to understand the SpongeBob DNA, watch a few clips of old Jerry Lewis or Laurel and Hardy. You’ll suddenly hear exactly where those vocal inflections came from.
The longevity of the show is a testament to the fact that they haven't messed with the formula. As long as Tom Kenny wants the job, the sponge will stay exactly as we remember him. He’s stayed loyal to the character through the death of creator Stephen Hillenburg in 2018, acting as a sort of steward for the show's original spirit.
To answer the question simply: Tom Kenny is SpongeBob. Without him, it’s just a yellow kitchen tool. With him, it’s an icon.