SpongeBob SquarePants has been a cultural phenomenon for 25 years, but at the core of Bikini Bottom is a recording booth, where the voices that bring characters to life have shared a special connection. As the program marks its silver anniversary, the actresses who give voice to Sandy, Mrs. Puff, Pearl, Karen, and so many offbeat citizens are looking back on their ride, their friendships, and the legacy they’ve helped create.
Sirena Irwin’s SpongeBob saga began shortly after college, when she mailed her voice reel—yes, through actual mail—to series creator Steve Hillenburg. She had initially auditioned for Sandy, Mrs. Puff, and Pearl, but came on board as a utility player, providing the voice for SpongeBob’s mom and a revolving door of Bikini Bottom eccentrics. Her first episode, “Opposite Day,” established the tone that would become a beautifully unreliable career. Irwin explains she took cues from the show’s scripts and storyboards, which she received in advance of recording sessions. These ignited her imagination and resulted in character voices based on individuals she encountered in life.
Recording days, Irwin states, were all about working together and creativity. Even when she had a small number of lines, Irwin tended to linger and listen as the rest of the cast recorded, absorbing the atmosphere in the room. The shows were loose—once the cast members received a few takes straight from the page, they were invited to improvise, and that’s where some of the most surprising, most hilarious moments would arise. For Irwin, the show wasn’t merely a creative escape—it provided her with a sense of belonging in Los Angeles, which can be difficult to find in the entertainment industry.
That sense of family permeates the core female cast of the show. Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Jill Talley (Karen), Lori Alan (Pearl), and Mary Jo Catlett (Mrs. Puff) explain their relationship not only as co-workers, but as chosen sisters. They reminisce about the early days when they had more time to socialize outside the studio and how their friendship has only deepened with life’s highs and lows—births, weddings, deaths. Jill equates their recording sessions with sleepovers, complete with laughter, inside jokes, and real friendships. Lori further explains that working in a competitive field has made their encouragement for each other all the more valuable. They’re confident they can rely on one another, whether it’s for a SpongeBob moment or a more intimate sharing.
Their relationship has even found its way onto the show. The “gal pals” concept—something Lori and Sirena invented at the Annie Awards—spawned episodes centered around the girls’ friendships and adventures. As time went on, the writers started embracing more female-driven stories, something the cast is proud of, especially seeing how young girls are viewing and connecting with these characters.
Steve Hillenburg’s shadow still casts a large shadow. The cast recalls him not only as a genius creative, but also as a person who truly believed in their careers and wanted them to pursue their dreams. His loss was a heavy blow, but the supportive, cooperative spirit that he instilled in the group still directs the team.
Each has a favorite memory. Sirena adores playing the magic conch shell, and Mary from the most popular episode ever, “Chocolate With Nuts.” Mary Jo glows whenever discussing the exaggerated reactions of Mrs. Puff—and her fondness for SpongeBob, despite all his driving accidents. Lori loves singing with the late Andy Paley and Tom Kenny in “Whale of a Birthday.” Carolyn giggles at how her children always catch her slipping into Sandy’s Texas accent when she gets excited.
Mostly, though, the cast is thankful. They’re touched by testimonials from fans—individuals who tell them SpongeBob got them through a difficult time, or became a bridge for generations to connect. Carolyn likens their process to an orchestra: each voice, each instant counts, and the orchestra doesn’t exist without the company’s universal rhythm.
After 25 years, the voices of Bikini Bottom are still going strong. The show continues to thrive not just because of clever writing or iconic characters, but because of the real friendships, creative freedom, and shared joy that happen behind the scenes. For these women, every recording session is a reminder of just how rare—and special—it is to be part of something that brings so much laughter to the world.