SpongeBob, Patrick, and a Traffic Stop: The Funniest Interview You’ll Read Today
We sat down with the legendary voices behind SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star—Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke—to talk about one of the most iconic unanswered questions in cartoon history, the latest big-screen adventure, unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments, and how a cartoon sponge has literally helped them out of real-life trouble.
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With over 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants, this conversation was packed with laugh-out-loud stories, heartfelt reflections, and pure nostalgia for anyone who grew up in Bikini Bottom.
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The New Movie: Bigger Laughs, Bigger Hearts
Before we even got into nostalgia and traffic tickets, we dove right into what fans have been buzzing about: the new SpongeBob movie. This latest installment takes SpongeBob and Patrick’s friendship to bold new places—bringing both hilarity and emotional depth that longtime fans will love.
Kenny and Fagerbakke told us the film balances the classic goofy humor we grew up with and a story that celebrates growth, friendship, and what it really means to stick by someone when life gets messy.
“There’s so much heart in this one,” Fagerbakke said. “People are going to laugh, but they’re also going to feel it.”
Kenny added, “We’ve been lucky to be part of so many stories over the years. This movie? It’s something special. Audiences are going to walk out smiling.”
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When Cartoon Voices Accidentally Come Out in Real Life
After decades of voicing two of the most recognizable animated characters ever, it turns out SpongeBob and Patrick don’t always stay in the recording booth.
Tom Kenny admitted that sometimes the voice slips out—though one time, he absolutely knew what he was doing.
“I got pulled over by a cop,” Kenny shared. “I had SpongeBob 8x10s in the back of my car. He asked what I did, I said cartoons, he asked which voice—and when I said SpongeBob, that was it.”
Instead of a ticket, Kenny walked away with a request.
“Here’s my address. Here’s my kid’s name. If I don’t get it, I know where you live.”
The only time SpongeBob officially saved the day.
Bill Fagerbakke had a similar run-in—this time courtesy of his mom. While speeding in North Dakota during his Coachdays, the officer walked up to the window and before Bill could say a word, his mother leaned in and asked, “Do you watch Coach?”
Thirty seconds later, they were taking photos.
“I almost asked him to put me in cuffs,” Fagerbakke joked.
The Secret Box: Still a Mystery
Of course, no SpongeBob conversation is complete without The Secret Box—the episode that has fueled fan theories for over two decades.
So what’s inside?
“I can’t tell you,” Kenny said with a smile. “It’s better to let it remain… a mystery.”
Fagerbakke teased that it might have something to do with his shorts—while Kenny suggested it could be something either beautiful or horrible. Or maybe even the Ark of the Covenant.
“The imagination of what fans have come up with online,” Kenny added, “that’s the magic.”
And just like that, the mystery lives on.
Why SpongeBob & Patrick Still Matter
Beyond the laughs and memes, both actors reflected on why SpongeBob and Patrick continue to resonate so deeply.
For Fagerbakke, Patrick represents unconditional friendship—being there for your people, no matter what.
Kenny called their bond “the ultimate bromance,” pointing out that even when the characters experience ups and downs—like their emotional split in this latest movie—it only strengthens what fans feel.
“If you’re lucky enough to have that kind of friendship in your life, you treasure it,” Kenny said. “If you don’t have it, you want it.”
What started as doodles in Stephen Hillenburg’s notebook has become something far deeper—something that continues to comfort, connect, and emotionally wreck audiences decades later.
Yes… even dads are crying.
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Growing up with SpongeBob, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of how much joy these characters have brought across generations. From childhood laughter to full-on ugly crying, SpongeBob and Patrick are still doing what they’ve always done best—making people feel seen, accepted, and a little less alone.
And with this new movie, their legacy continues to evolve—bringing fresh laughs for new fans and heartwarming nostalgia for everyone who’s ever loved Bikini Bottom.
