Squidward did not die in the Spongebob SquarePants series, and despite the misconceptions about his name, Squidward is an octopus as opposed to the squid many thought he was because of his name.
Producers of the series have clarified that they named him Squidward because they thought it would be too weird to call him Octoward. Moreover, he has six tentacles, which is closer to the defining eight tentacles characteristic of octopuses.
How Squidward Died
Squidward Tentacles is not known to have died in any official episodes of the SpongeBob SquarePants series. Nevertheless, a prevalent fan theory has circulated, suggesting that Squidward meets a tragic end in an unaired episode titled “Squidward’s Suicide.” This theory originates from a creepypasta story crafted in 2019. According to this narrative, Squidward grapples with profound depression and, in an extreme turn of events, ends his own life by using a shotgun.
It is crucial to emphasize that no factual basis supports this theory, and it holds no place within the official SpongeBob SquarePants canon. “Squidward’s Suicide” is not a legitimate episode and is absent from any authorized listings of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes.
The associated creepypasta story is recognized as a morbid and disturbing fan creation, strongly advised against for young viewers due to its unsettling nature. It’s important to discern between fan-generated content and the official narrative presented in the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
How Old is Squidward?
The exact age of Squidward Tentacles is never clearly stated in the SpongeBob SquarePants show. Nonetheless, various hints within the series imply that he may be in his late 40s or early 50s. For instance, in the episode “Squid’s Day Off,” Squidward mentions his 26 years at the Krusty Krab. Assuming he began working there in his early 20s, this would place him in his late 40s.
Furthermore, in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, Squidward is depicted with a driver’s license issued in 1980. If Squidward obtained his license at age 16, he would be in his early 50s. It’s worth noting that Squidward’s age could be higher, considering episodes featuring flashbacks to his childhood. These glimpses into his past hint that he might be in his 50s or even 60s.
Squidward Tentacles’ precise age remains a mystery. Nevertheless, contextual clues from the show strongly suggest that he is likely in his late 40s or early 50s.
Is Squidward a Squid?
No, Squidward is not actually a squid in the biological sense. This is a common misconception because the character’s design incorporates features of both squids and octopuses. He has a bulbous head and a prominent nose, reminiscent of an octopus, but his body has a more elongated shape, resembling that of a squid.
The misconception also comes from the fact that Squidward’s name does contain the word “squid.” However, he clearly has six tentacles, which is closer to the defining characteristic of octopuses. Squids, on the other hand, have ten tentacles.
The reason for this discrepancy is likely because the show’s creator, Stephen Hillenburg, wanted to give Squidward a name that reflected his personality. Squidward is often grumpy and cynical, and the word “squid” has a somewhat negative connotation. Hillenburg also thought that the name “Octoward” sounded too strange.
The decision to name the character “Squidward” might be a playful and humorous choice by the creators, combining elements of both squids and octopuses. In SpongeBob SquarePants, characters often have traits inspired by marine life, even if they don’t precisely match real-world biology. So, while Squidward’s name may be misleading, he is definitely not a squid.
Is Squidward an Octopus?
Yes, Squidward Tentacles is an octopus. Despite his name containing the word “squid” and having only six tentacles, he is officially recognized as an octopus by the show’s creator, Stephen Hillenburg.
The discrepancy between Squidward’s name and his species is attributed to the creative liberties taken by Hillenburg. He preferred the name “Squidward” to “Octoward” as it better suited Squidward’s grumpy and cynical personality. Hillenburg originally wanted to give Squidward eight arms but decided it would be too difficult to animate. Six arms were a more manageable number, and they gave Squidward a more unique appearance.
So, while Squidward’s name may be misleading, he is definitely an octopus. He has all of the defining characteristics of an octopus, including six tentacles, a bulbous head, and an ink sac.
How Tall is Squidward?
Squidward Tentacles is officially 10 inches tall. This information is confirmed in the show’s bible, which is a document that the show’s writers and animators use to ensure that the characters are consistent in terms of their appearance and personality.
Despite occasional fan debate about Squidward’s height, particularly when he appears taller than characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, the show’s bible is the authoritative source for such details. Therefore, Squidward’s height of 10 inches is considered canon. Look at the documented heights of some other major characters compared to Squidward.
| SpongeBob Character | Height |
| Squidward Tentacles | 10 inches |
| Mr. Krabs | 7 inches |
| Sandy Cheeks | 6 inches |
| Patrick Star | 6 inches |
| SpongeBob SquarePants | 4 inches |
| Plankton | 2 inch |
From the table above, it is easy to see that Squidward is the tallest of the main characters on the show.
Who Played Squidward in Real Life?
Squidward Tentacles is voiced by American actor and comedian Rodger Bumpass. Bumpass has been voicing Squidward since the show’s debut in 1999, and he is known for his signature grumpy and sardonic voice.
Bumpass was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 20, 1951, and is 72 years in 2024. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. He landed his first significant voice-acting role in the 1984 animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? and he has been working steadily ever since. His other voice credits include Invader Zim and The Fairly OddParents, among other live-action films and television series.
Bumpass is a skilled and versatile voice actor, and he is known for his ability to create a wide range of characters. He is particularly adept at voicing grumpy and cynical characters, such as Squidward Tentacles. Bumpass is also a talented comedian who often brings his signature wit and humor to his voice-acting roles.
Bumpass is a beloved figure among SpongeBob SquarePants fans, and he is widely considered the perfect voice for Squidward Tentacles. He is a gifted actor and comedian and has received numerous accolades for his performance as Squidward, including a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2012.
FAQs
What Color is Squidward?
Squidward Tentacles is primarily colored light turquoise or teal. His skin has a bluish-green tint, and he has a bald head with a large, bulbous nose.
What Instrument Does Squidward Play?
Squidward Tentacles plays the clarinet, but his musical abilities are portrayed as less than stellar.
Who Voices Squidward?
American actor and comedian Rodger Bumpass has voiced Squidward Tentacles since the debut of Spongebob Squarepants in 1999.
How Many Legs does Squidward have?
Squidward Tentacles has six legs in the SpongeBob SquarePants series. This is a creative decision made by the show’s animators, and it distinguishes him from a real-life octopus, which typically has eight tentacles.
