Sandy Cheeks

Last updated

Sandy Cheeks
SpongeBob SquarePants character
Sandy Cheeks.svg
First appearance
Created by Stephen Hillenburg
Designed byStephen Hillenburg
Portrayed by Lilli Cooper (Broadway) [1] Christina Sajous (television special)
Voiced by
In-universe information
Full nameSandra Jennifer Cheeks (musical)
Species Flying squirrel [2]
GenderFemale
OccupationScientist and inventor
Home Houston, Texas
NationalityAmerican

Sandy Cheeks is a fictional character in the American animated comedy television series SpongeBob SquarePants and the Nickelodeon franchise of the same name. She is voiced by Carolyn Lawrence and first appeared in the episode "Tea at the Treedome", which premiered on May 1, 1999. She was created and designed by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg who is also the creator of the series. Sandy is portrayed as an intelligent anthropomorphic flying squirrel who wears an astronaut-like diving suit and lives underwater.

Contents

The character's reception from fans has been positive. Sandy has appeared in many SpongeBob SquarePants publications, toys, and other merchandise. She also appears in the series' three films.

Role in SpongeBob SquarePants

Sandy is a close friend of SpongeBob SquarePants. She is a proud Texan and speaks in a stereotypical Southern drawl. In order to live underwater, Sandy resides in a bubble-like dome [3] and wears an atmospheric diving suit when outside her house. [4] Inside the treedome, her normal attire consists of a green and purple bikini. Conversely, as revealed in Tea at the Treedome , other characters must wear "water helmets" with opposite functionality when visiting her house. Sandy possesses extraordinary scientific skills such as the ability to construct complex inventions. [5] Sandy is shown to possess a number of tough, tomboyish character traits and interests; she is skilled at karate, engages in bodybuilding, [6] and is a rodeo champion. [7] She is also a close friend of Patrick Star, SpongeBob's best friend and neighbor, though she sometimes gets annoyed by him like Squidward. [8]

History and development

Creation and design

Stephen Hillenburg first became fascinated with the ocean and began developing his artistic abilities as a child. During college, he majored in marine biology and minored in art. After graduating in 1984, he joined the Ocean Institute, an ocean education organization, where he had the idea to create a comic book titled The Intertidal Zone, which led to the creation of SpongeBob SquarePants. [9] [10] [11] In 1987, Hillenburg left the institute to pursue a career in animation. [11] [12]

A few years after studying experimental animation at the California Institute of the Arts, [12] Hillenburg met Joe Murray, creator of Rocko's Modern Life , at an animation festival. Murray offered Hillenburg a job as a director of the series. [11] [13] [14] [15] Martin Olson, one of the writers for Rocko's Modern Life, read The Intertidal Zone and encouraged Hillenburg to create a television series with a similar concept. At that point, Hillenburg had not considered creating his own series, but soon realized that this was his chance. [10] [16] [17] Shortly after production on Rocko's Modern Life ended in 1996, [18] Hillenburg began working on SpongeBob SquarePants. [10] Sandy has been shown in the episodes about her being in the tree dome. [19] Whenever any aquatic creatures enter her home, they must wear helmets that are filled with water. Sandy works as a scientist, explorer, and inventor. She is also a rodeo champion with a number of athletic interests, such as "sand-boarding" and karate. [20] Originally, in the pitch bible written by Tim Hill and Hillenburg, SpongeBob originally was a romantic interest for her, but this was quickly put out of the show. [21]

Voice

Actress Carolyn Lawrence provides the voice of Sandy Cheeks. Carolyn Lawrence (cropped).jpg
Actress Carolyn Lawrence provides the voice of Sandy Cheeks.

The voice of Sandy Cheeks is provided by Carolyn Lawrence. [22] [23] Lawrence got the role of Sandy when she was in Los Angeles at Los Feliz. She met Donna Grillo, a casting director, on a sidewalk. Lawrence was with a friend who knew Grillo, and she said Lawrence had an interesting voice. Grillo brought Lawrence in to audition and she got the part. [24] [25]

Before a recording, Lawrence prepares when the crew sends a storyboard. She explains, "I absolutely love that! Not only do I get to read the script, I can actually see what the artists have in mind. It is an amazing process and I feel so fortunate to be able to work that way! [...] I would prefer to let the script come alive in me before a taping." [26]

Presley Williams voiced young Sandy in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run . [27]

Reception

Film critic A. O. Scott of The New York Times said, in his review of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie , that Sandy is one of his favorite characters on the show, along with Squidward Tentacles and Mrs. Puff. He wrote, "I was sorry to see [them] pushed to the margins". [28]

In other media

Sandy has been included in various SpongeBob SquarePants-related merchandise, including board games, books, plush toys, and trading cards. She is also a playable character in several SpongeBob games like Battle for Bikini Bottom . [29] [30] [31] Sandy also appears as a playable character in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl . [32] The Sandy's Blasting Bronco rollercoaster opened alongside the American Dream Mall's Nickelodeon Universe theme park in 2019. This ride is the first attraction to be named and themed after the character. The ride-vehicle is themed to Sandy's rocketship, from the SpongeBob SquarePants episode "Sandy's Rocket." [33]

Sandy served as sideline reporter for Nickelodeon's alternate telecast of Super Bowl LVIII.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

A CGI/Live-action hybrid movie starring Sandy titled Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie was released on Netflix on August 2, 2024. This film is one of three character-centric SpongeBob movies in development for the streaming platform. The film was initially announced in May 2021, and its title was revealed on November 26, 2022. [34] [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SpongeBob SquarePants (character)</span> Eponymous protagonist from SpongeBob SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is a fictional character and the protagonist of Nickelodeon's eponymous American animated television series. Voiced by Tom Kenny, he is characterized by his optimism and childlike attitude. SpongeBob is a denizen of Bikini Bottom, where he regularly gets into absurd and humorous scenarios.

Squidward J. Q. Tentacles is a fictional character voiced by actor Rodger Bumpass in the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, produced by Nickelodeon. Squidward was created and designed by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. He first appeared on television in the series' pilot episode "Help Wanted" on May 1, 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pearl Krabs</span> Fictional animated SpongeBob SquarePants character

Pearl Krabs is a fictional character in the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. She is voiced by actress Lori Alan and first appeared in the season one episode "Squeaky Boots" on September 17, 1999. She was created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, who was inspired to design a whale character while supervising whale watches at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Hillenburg</span> American animator, voice actor, and marine biology teacher (1961–2018)

Stephen McDannell Hillenburg was an American animator, voice actor, and marine biology teacher, best known for creating the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants for Nickelodeon in 1999. Serving as the showrunner for its first three seasons, and again from season nine until his death, the show has become the fifth-longest-running American animated series. He also provided the original voice of Patchy the Pirate's pet, Potty the Parrot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krusty Krab</span> Fictional restaurant in SpongeBob SquarePants

The Krusty Krab is a fictional fast food restaurant in the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. In the television show the restaurant is famous for its signature burger, the Krabby Patty, the formula to which is a closely guarded trade secret.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> American animated television series

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It first aired as a sneak peek after the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards on May 1, 1999, and officially premiered on July 17, 1999. It chronicles the adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants and his aquatic friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by former marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, aired on Nickelodeon from May 1, 1999, to March 3, 2001, and consists of 20 half-hour episodes. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The show features the voices of Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Carolyn Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett, and Lori Alan. Among the first guest stars to appear on the show were Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway voicing the superhero characters of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, respectively.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg, aired on Nickelodeon from October 5, 2001, to October 11, 2004, and consists of 20 half-hour episodes. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The season was executive produced by series creator Hillenburg and supervising produced by Derek Drymon, who also acted as the showrunner. Hillenburg halted production on the show to work on the 2004 film adaptation of the series, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. After production on the film, Hillenburg resigned from the show as its showrunner, and appointed staff writer, Paul Tibbitt, to overtake the position. Season three was originally set to be the final season of the series, with the film acting as a series finale, but its success prevented the series from ending, leading to a fourth season.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> season 7 Season of television series

The seventh season of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, began airing on Nickelodeon in the United States on July 19, 2009, and ended on June 11, 2011. It contained 26 half-hour episodes, with a miniseries titled Legends of Bikini Bottom. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.

Help Wanted (<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of SpongeBob SquarePants

"Help Wanted" is the series premiere and pilot episode of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. It first aired on Nickelodeon in the United States on May 1, 1999, following the television broadcast of the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. The episode follows the series' eponymous protagonist SpongeBob, a yellow anthropomorphic sea sponge, attempting to get a job at a local fast food restaurant called the Krusty Krab.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> season 8 Season of television series

The eighth season of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by former marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, originally aired on Nickelodeon in the United States from March 26, 2011, to November 23, 2012, and contained 26 half-hour episodes, with a miniseries titled SpongeBob's Runaway Roadtrip. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The season was executive produced by series creator Hillenburg and writer Paul Tibbitt, who also acted as the showrunner. In 2011, SpongeBob's Runaway Roadtrip, an anthology series consisting of five episodes from the season, was launched.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Star</span> Fictional animated character from SpongeBob SquarePants

Patrick Star is a fictional character in the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. He is voiced by actor Bill Fagerbakke and was created and designed by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. He first appeared in the series' pilot episode "Help Wanted" on May 1, 1999. In addition to his supporting role on SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick also serves as the main protagonist of The Patrick Star Show, which premiered in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plankton and Karen</span> Fictional animated SpongeBob SquarePants characters

Sheldon J. Plankton and Karen Plankton are a pair of fictional characters and the main antagonists of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Nickelodeon animated television series. They are voiced by Mr. Lawrence and Jill Talley, respectively. Their first appearance was in the episode "Plankton!", which premiered on July 31, 1999. They were created and designed by the marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the series. Hillenburg named Karen after his wife, Karen Hillenburg.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> (film series)

SpongeBob SquarePants is a series of live-action/animated adventure comedy films based on the Nickelodeon animated television series of the same name. The films are produced by Nickelodeon Movies and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The films feature the regular television voice cast Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Carolyn Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett, and Lori Alan.

<i>SpongeBobs Big Birthday Blowout</i> 2019 television film directed by Sherm Cohen

SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout is a 2019 made-for-television live-action/animated comedy special based on the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. It was written by Kaz and Mr. Lawrence, and was directed by Jonas Morganstein. The special, produced as part of the show's twelfth season, originally aired on Nickelodeon in the United States on July 12, 2019, celebrating the series' twentieth anniversary. The cut version of this episode was released on October 5, 2019. The bonus edition of this episode was released on July 17, 2020, exactly 21 years after the official series premiere in 1999.

<i>SpongeBob SquarePants</i> (franchise) Nickelodeon media franchise

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated comedy media franchise created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg and owned by Viacom International under the Nickelodeon brand. It began with the series, which premiered in 1999, and went on to become one of the longest-running American animated series. The franchise is the most profitable property for Paramount Consumer Products, having generated over $13 billion in merchandising revenue.

<i>Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie</i> 2024 film directed by Liza Johnson

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is a 2024 American adventure comedy film based on the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg. It was directed by Liza Johnson and written by Tom Stern and Kaz, based on a story by Kaz. Combining CGI animation with live-action, the film stars the series' regular voice cast and introduces new characters performed by Johnny Knoxville, Craig Robinson, Grey DeLisle, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Matty Cardarople, and Wanda Sykes. The plot follows Sandy and SpongeBob as they venture to Sandy's home state of Texas to save Bikini Bottom from an evil CEO. It is the first in a series of SpongeBob character spin-off films.

Plankton: The Movie is an upcoming American animated musical comedy film based on the television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg. It is directed by Dave Needham and written by Kaz, Chris Viscardi, and Mr. Lawrence, based on a story by Lawrence. It stars Lawrence, the voice of Plankton, alongside the rest of the series' regular cast. The story follows Plankton, whose world is changed completely when his plan for world domination is thwarted. It is the second in a series of SpongeBob character spin-off films following Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024).

References

  1. ↑ Walker, Sam (July 11, 2018). "Now on Broadway: SpongeBob ChauvinistPants". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Netflix's New SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Finally Answers a 25-Year-Old Sandy Cheeks Mystery". Screen Rant . August 5, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Sandy - Nickelodeon Sweden". MTV Networks Europe . Viacom International. Archived from the original on October 18, 2005.
  4. ↑ Brown, Arthur (2008). Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Cartoons!. USA: Arthur Brown. p. 85. ISBN   978-1435732483.
  5. ↑ Writers: Luke Brookshier, Tom King, Steven Banks (May 5, 2006). "Chimps Ahoy". SpongeBob SquarePants. Season 4. Episode 70b. Nickelodeon.
  6. ↑ Writers: Ennio Torresan, Jr., Erik Wiese, Mr. Lawrence (September 25, 1999). "MuscleBob BuffPants". SpongeBob SquarePants. Season 1. Episode 11a. Nickelodeon.
  7. ↑ Writers: Luke Brookshier, Nate Cash, Richard Pursel (February 6, 2010). "Rodeo Daze". SpongeBob SquarePants. Season 7. Episode 138b. Nickelodeon.
  8. ↑ "How SpongeBob & Patrick First Met (& How the Story Changes)". Screen Rant . July 11, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Welcome to the Ocean Institute". ocean-institute.org. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 Wilson, Thomas F.(Interviewer); Hillenburg, Stephen (Interviewee) (May 29, 2012). Big Pop Fun #28: Stephen Hillenburg, Artist and Animator–Interview (Podcast). Nerdist Industries. Archived from the original (mp3) on December 21, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 Hillenburg, Stephen (2003). The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season (DVD). Paramount Home Entertainment.
  12. 1 2 Banks, Steven (September 24, 2004). SpongeBob Exposed! The Insider's Guide to SpongeBob SquarePants. Gregg Schigiel (Illustrator). New York City, New York: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon. p. 9. ISBN   978-0-689-86870-2.
  13. ↑ Murray, Joe (2003). The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season (DVD). Paramount Home Entertainment.
  14. ↑ Neuwirth, Allan (2003). Makin' Toons: Inside the Most Popular Animated TV Shows and Movies . Allworth Communications, Inc. p.  50. ISBN   1-58115-269-8.
  15. ↑ "Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Joe Murray, creator of Rocko's Modern Life," The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ
  16. ↑ Hillenburg, Stephen; Murray, Joe; Drymon, Derek; Coleman, Eric; Hecht, Albie (2003). The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season (DVD). Paramount Home Entertainment.
  17. ↑ Banks, Steven (September 24, 2004). SpongeBob Exposed! The Insider's Guide to SpongeBob SquarePants. Gregg Schigiel (Illustrator). New York City, New York: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon. p. 10. ISBN   978-0-689-86870-2.
  18. ↑ "Rocko's Modern Life". JoeMurrayStudio.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  19. ↑ "The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants | Hogan's Alley". cartoonician.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  20. ↑ "SpongeBob SquarePants: Meet the Gang!". Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand) Australia. Viacom International. Archived from the original on March 10, 2008.
  21. ↑ Hill, Tim; Hillenburg, Stephen (January 17, 1997). SpongeBoy. p. 27.
  22. ↑ "Carolyn Lawrence: Credits". TV Guide. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  23. ↑ Basile, Nancy (March 29, 2006). "Voice Behind Sandy Cheeks on SpongeBob". About.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Carolyn Lawrence Exclusive Interview". The Star Scoop. September 17, 2009. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  25. ↑ "REFANB Interview: Carolyn Lawrence, A.K.A. Ashley Graham". Resident Evil Fan. Archived from the original on December 12, 2005. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  26. ↑ Basile, Nancy. "Carolyn Lawrence Sandy Cheeks on 'SpongeBob SquarePants'". About.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Sandy – Nickelodeon Sweden". MTV Networks Europe . Viacom International. Archived from the original on October 18, 2005.
  28. ↑ Scott, A. O. (November 19, 2004). "Absorbency Plus Frivolity, a Blend the World Needs". The New York Times . Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  29. ↑ Onyett, Charles (September 10, 2008). "The Game of Life - SpongeBob SquarePants Edition Review".
  30. ↑ "Sandy Cheeks Plush - ShopNickU". store.nickelodeonuniverse.com. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Spongebob Squarepants: Deep Sea Duel (2003)". BoardGameGeek . Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Every Character Confirmed for Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl". Screen Rant . July 13, 2021.
  33. ↑ "American Dream". American Dream. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  34. ↑ Leston, Ryan (February 15, 2022). "Three More SpongeBob SquarePants Movies Are In the Works For 2023". IGN. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  35. ↑ "'SpongeBob' Exec. Producers Tease SpongeBob's 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 2024" . Retrieved November 27, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.