SpongeBob SquarePants Voice Actors: Meet the Talent Behind the Characters

SpongeBob SquarePants continues to be one of the most enduring animated franchises globally. With new episodes, spin-offs like Kamp Koral, and another movie just around the corner, the show remains a staple for both kids and longtime fans.

One of the key elements that makes the animation iconic is the voices behind these beloved characters. But who are the voice actors behind these characters? While many viewers know and love these characters, fewer know who voices them.

In this article, we are breaking down the full voice cast. From main roles like SpongeBob and Patrick to recurring and supporting characters, we cover them all.

This article also helps you:

• Learn who brings each character to life
• Get behind-the-scenes insights
• See how voice acting plays a huge role in the show’s lasting success

Whether you are curious about SpongeBob SquarePants' voice actors or want to know who's voicing newcomers, this guide covers it all.

SpongeBob SquarePants: An Overview

SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most successful animated television series in American television history. It was created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, who began developing SpongeBob SquarePants in the late 1990s

The story is set in a fictional underwater city called Bikini Bottom. It follows SpongeBob and his friends, Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy. It revolves around absurd situations, many of which stem from SpongeBob’s job at the Krusty Krab, run by his boss, Mr. Krabs.

Highlights

• The show has won two Emmy Awards and six Annie Awards for its animation, writing, and voice work.
• Many spin-offs, such as Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show, and feature films like SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, expand the universe.
• The show features skilled actors with a strong legacy in voice acting.
• SpongeBob has expanded into video games, merchandise, memes, and even music culture.

From appearances by Mermaid Man to cameos from Diane Simmons-type background characters, the show’s charm lies in its wild tone and unforgettable characters.

Main Cast and Their Voice Actors

The main cast of SpongeBob SquarePants has stayed consistent over the years. This is part of why the show still feels familiar, even decades later. Each actor brings something unique to their character, shaping how we hear and remember them.

Here’s a look at the regular cast members and what each actor contributes to the world of Bikini Bottom.

Tom Kenny Voices SpongeBob SquarePants

Credit: People

Tom Kenny has voiced the title character of SpongeBob since the show premiered in 1999, and his performance is a big reason for its success. His high-pitched, energetic voice captures SpongeBob’s nonstop optimism and goofy charm.

In early seasons, the voice was slightly softer and more restrained. Over time, it grew sharper and more exaggerated, matching the show’s faster pace and louder humor.

In this series, Kenny also voices the French narrator and several supporting roles.

Outside of SpongeBob, Kenny is a veteran voice actor with credits in both series and movies, in both animated and live action, such as:

• The Powerpuff Girls
• Adventure Time
• Rocko’s Modern Life
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• Samurai Jack
• Rick and Morty

He is known for his range and can switch between wildly different characters with ease. In 2018, he won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for his work as SpongeBob, a rare recognition in the field of voice acting. He has also won two Annie Awards for his work on SpongeBob and earned multiple nominations.

Bill Fagerbakke Voices Patrick Star

Credit: NickAlive

Bill Fagerbakke has voiced Patrick Star since the show’s inception, lending the character his distinctive slow, deep, and lovable tone. His delivery is key to Patrick’s goofy, laid-back personality.

The slightly slurred, wide-eyed voice makes Patrick sound clueless but never mean. It adds to his charm and makes even the most mundane lines amusing. Over the years, Fagerbakke has kept the voice consistent, helping anchor Patrick as SpongeBob’s loyal and often confused best friend.

Fagerbakke has also worked on numerous projects in addition to SpongeBob. He is known for his voice work in animated and live action shows and movies, such as:

• Batman Beyond
• Gargoyles
• All Hail King Julien
• Lady and the Tramp II
• Unbelievable
• Rosewood Lane
• Jennifer's Body

Apart from this, he has also played Michael "Dauber" Dybinski in the sitcom Coach. While his range is understated, Fagerbakke consistently delivers performances that strike a balance between sincerity and humor.

Rodger Bumpass Voices Squidward Tentacles

Credit: BuzzFeed

Rodger Bumpass has voiced Squidward Tentacles since the inception of the series. His dry, nasal tone aligns closely with the character’s grumpy, sarcastic outlook. His delivery captures Squidward’s constant frustration with SpongeBob, his fake politeness, and his failed artistic ambitions.

The voice brings out both the bitterness and the character's occasional vulnerability. This makes Squidward both more than just the “grumpy neighbor” and a relatable character.

Bumpass has a long career in voice acting. He has played roles in both animated and live-action movies and series, such as:

• Toy Story
• Megamind
• Teen Titans
• Invader Zim
• Justice League
• The Running Man
• The Incredibles 2

But Squidward remains his most recognized work. In 2012, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for his performance on SpongeBob SquarePants.

Clancy Brown Voices Mr. Krabs

Credit: BuzzFeed

Clancy Brown voices Mr. Krabs with a deep, gravelly tone that fits the character’s tough, money-obsessed personality. His voice plays a major role in giving Mr. Krabs a commanding presence, part grumpy boss, part pirate.

The way Brown leans into the rasp and growl makes even simple lines sound funny, especially when Krabs is yelling about money or barking orders at SpongeBob and Squidward. It’s a voice that sounds strict but still cartoonish enough to be lovable.

Clancy Brown is an accomplished and serious actor with acting credits in highly successful live-action movies. A few of his works in the animated and live-action world are:

• Highlander
• John Wick 4
• Pet Cemetary
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Starship Troopers
• The Penguin
• Bad Boys

For his work in The Penguin, he won the 2025 Astra TV Award for best supporting actor in a limited series or TV movie. He has also won other awards and earned multiple nominations during his career.

Additional Voices: Sandy, Mrs. Puff, Pearl, Plankton & Co.

Beyond the main cast members, SpongeBob SquarePants features a strong supporting cast, including Mrs. Puff (voiced by Mary Jo Catlett), Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence), and others.

Each of them has a distinct voice that adds to the show’s humor and world-building. They help round out Bikini Bottom and give SpongeBob’s world its quirky depth.

Below is a closer look at the voice actors behind several key supporting characters:

Mrs. Puff, voiced by Mary Jo Catlett

Mary Jo Catlett gives Mrs. Puff her panicked, worn-down tone. As SpongeBob’s boating school teacher, her voice often shifts from polite patience to full-blown stress.

Catlett, with a background in stage and sitcoms, brings comic timing and warmth to a character who’s constantly on the verge of a breakdown.

Her voice helps sell the ongoing joke of SpongeBob’s driving disasters.

Plankton, voiced by Mr. Lawrence

Mr. Lawrence voices Plankton with a high-pitched sneer that’s equal parts evil genius and desperate underdog.

His exaggerated delivery makes Plankton’s constant failures funnier, and his dramatic monologues parody classic villains.

Apart from Plankton, Mr. Lawrence has voiced:

• Larry the Lobster
• Fred
• Other recurring characters

Apart from voicing characters, Lawrence is also a writer on the show. This helps him fine-tune Plankton’s lines for maximum impact.

Margaret SquarePants, voiced by Sirena Irwin

Sirena Irwin voices SpongeBob’s mom, Margaret. She has imbued the character with a sweet, classic “cartoon mom” tone that is calm, cheerful, and a little old-fashioned.

She also voices other side characters across the series. Her style blends in easily with the rest of the cast, adding gentle contrast to the louder personalities.

In addition to lending her voice to Margaret SquarePants, Sirena has voiced:

• Lois Lane in Batman: The Brave and the Bold
• Sibylla in Winx Club
• Persephone in Stripella
• Atlanna in Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

Sirena has also taken on multiple roles in the voice acting industry, including voice director and casting director, while appearing in many shows, such as Butter Face and Entourage.

Sandy Cheeks, voiced by Carolyn Lawrence

Carolyn Lawrence gives Sandy her energetic Texan drawl. The voice combines Southern charm with toughness. And this voice profile suits Sandy’s role as a smart, karate-loving scientist.

Carolyn makes her sound friendly and confident. This helps Sandy stand out as one of the few grounded characters in Bikini Bottom.

Her other top voice acting credits include:

• Mandragora in Winx Club: The Secret of the Lost Kingdom
• Cindy Vortex in Jimmy Neutron and its TV series
• Amy March in Tales of Little Women

Supporting Cast Members and Recurring Voices

There is no doubt that SpongeBob’s core cast gets most of the spotlight. However, the show’s world is filled with various characters from background fish to oddball regulars.

Over the years, dozens of actors have brought these characters to life. And they have added life and warmth to the world of Bikini Bottom.

Prominent Recurring Actors: Their Roles and Versatility

Voice actor Dee Bradley Baker is a standout. He has voiced characters such as Bubble Bass, Squilliam Fancyson, and numerous sea creatures. His ability to switch voices, from deep and menacing to weird and squeaky, keeps the show’s world unpredictable and fun.

Many supporting cast members voice multiple roles, such as:

• Dee Bradley Baker voicing Bubble Bass, Squilliam Fancyson, Old Man Jenkins, etc.
• Sirena Irwin voices Mama Krabs, Margaret SquarePants, and additional voices.
• Carlos Alazraqui voices Scooter alongside various extras.

Celebrities, Guest Voices, and One-Off Characters

SpongeBob has also featured guest voices and cameos, including musicians, athletes, and film stars, such as:

• David Bowie voiced Lord Royal Highness in Atlantis SquareOffish
• LeBron James cameoed as himself in Truth or Square
• David Hasselhoff appeared as himself in SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout
• Johnny Depp portrayed Jack Kahuna Laguna in SpongeBob SquarePants vs. the Big One

These one-time appearances add new energy and humor, keeping the series fresh and enjoyable.

AI Dubbing Tools: Bringing Animated Characters to Global Audiences

Animated shows like SpongeBob SquarePants have a global reach, captivating fans worldwide. However, translating them into different languages without altering their essence is not easy.

That’s where dubbing AI tools like Murf AI come in.

AI voice tools help streamline localization workflows, making multilingual distribution faster and more cost-effective. This can be done without losing the traits that make each character unique.

How Murf AI Helps

• Preserve character identity: AI can mimic tone, pitch, and speaking style. So the dubbed version still feels like the original character.
• Speed up production: Studios can generate multilingual versions faster than traditional dubbing methods.
• Economical for smaller teams: Independent creators or projects can afford quality voiceovers without hiring dubbing teams.
• Flexible editing: AI makes audio editing easier by letting you update tracks without re-recording.

Tools like Murf AI help professional voice actors and producers to improve the quality and efficiency of their processes. They also help bring animated content to a wider audience without compromising what makes the characters special.

If you’d like to explore Murf AI and its capabilities, you can sign up for a free trial.

Conclusion

The voices behind SpongeBob SquarePants are instrumental in the show’s longevity, cultural relevance, and global reach. Performances from the long-standing main cast and a deep bench of supporting actors have shaped Bikini Bottom into a world that remains instantly recognizable across generations. As animated content reaches increasingly diverse international audiences, structured localization workflows supported by AI-driven tools are extending how these characters are heard, understood, and experienced worldwide.