Blue skin, large nose, yellow eyes, eight legs, no pants, who does this make you think of? That’s right, Squidward Tentacles, a supporting character on Nickelodeon’s long-time running cartoon, Spongebob Squarepants. For 10 seasons, Squidward has been Spongebob’s grumpy neighbor and coworker who is often annoyed by the sponge’s actions. But, have you ever thought about who is behind the testy squid?

Squidward Tentacles is voiced by none other than Central Alumnus Rodger Bumpass. Bumpass was born in Jonesboro Arkansas, and attended Central in the late 60s, where he was first introduced to theater. He then moved onto college at Arkansas State University and earned a degree in Radio-TV. In his early career, he was an announcer for local TV and radio stations. A professor inspired him to pursue his career, and he moved to New York in 1977.

On May 1^st, 1999 Bumpass first appeared as Squidward in the pilot episode of Spongebob. Ever since, he has been making people of all ages laugh with his jokes and nasal voice.