Tom Kenny, Voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, to Visit Syracuse University
Syracuse native Tom Kenny, voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, is visiting Syracuse University to meet with students on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Kenny will discuss what it takes to build a creative career and his journey in the film, animation and music industries. He will be meeting with students participating in the Intelligence++ program and the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education (InclusiveU) for an informal chat about how neurodiversity is a creative superpower. Then he 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. Location: Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, Bird Library. Media may listen to class discussion (please contact media@syr.edu to schedule).
- 11 am to 12:15 p.m.: An informal discussion and Q&A open to campus community and media on the topic “Creative Entrepreneurial Journey: Featuring Tom Kenny” and 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++ Program, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education (InclusiveU), the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
About Tom Kenny:
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, New York, 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 like 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. He 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 & 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.
About Oscar Arce:
Arce is founder of Los Angeles-based Master Talent Agency, with a roster of 100 artists worldwide in film, television, screenwriting, fine arts, music and theater. Arce specializes in brand representation and is an archivist and estate representative for well-known cultural figures such as Luis Buñuel, Bootsy Collins, Rock of Yo Gabba Gabba! and more. He has produced exhibitions for major institutions such as Centre Pompidou in Paris, Tate Museum, LACMA, MCA, Salvador Dali Museum, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Scientists and the Metropolitan Opera.
About Paul Kozlowski:
Kozlowski is long-time creative collaborator with Kenny, as well as Bobcat Goldthwait and other industry legends. He is a writer, actor, artist, comedian and founder of the FAKE Gallery in Hollywood and the acclaimed AKE Gallery in Cortland, NY. Kozlowski has worked in Boston, New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, making appearances in film and television, along with writing for shows like Johnny Bravo and the Jon Stewart Show. He produces the “Look Who Showed Up” podcast and is founder and director of the Duck and Red Octopus international animation festival.