Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman Actor, Passes Away at 70 Following Private Battle with Cancer

Paul Reubens

Celebrating the Life and Laughter of a Comedy Icon

Paul Reubens, the renowned actor famously known for his portrayal of the lovable and childlike Pee-wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70 after a private struggle with cancer. The news of his death was confirmed on Sunday night.

Statement from Reubens' Instagram

In a heartfelt statement posted to Instagram after his passing, Paul Reubens apologized for not sharing his battle with cancer publicly sooner. He expressed immense gratitude for the love and support he received from friends, fans, and supporters throughout his career as an artist.

A Tribute to Pee-wee Herman

Paul Reubens' iconic character, Pee-wee Herman, adorned in a bright red bowtie, grey suit, and flattop haircut, was adored by generations. Known for his distinctive high-pitched voice and famous catchphrases like "I know you are, but what am I?" Pee-wee brought joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.

A Legacy of Comedy and Whimsy

Paul Reubens began his career with the Los Angeles live comedy troupe, the Groundlings, in the 1970s. In 1980, he introduced "The Pee-wee Herman Show," a stage production that propelled the character's cult status. The success of the show led to an HBO special and collaboration with Tim Burton for "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," a critically acclaimed film.

The Beloved "Pee-wee's Playhouse"

From 1986 to 1990, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" captivated audiences on CBS' weekend morning show. The show won several Emmys and featured innovative postmodernist set design and music from iconic artists like Mark Mothersbaugh, Cyndi Lauper, and the Residents. It also welcomed notable guest stars, including Laurence Fishburne, Natasha Lyonne, and Jimmy Smits.

Challenges and Comebacks

Despite Pee-wee's immense popularity, Reubens faced a setback in 1991 when his reputation was marred by an indecent exposure incident. However, he received support from fans and celebrities and made a triumphant return as Pee-wee in 2010 with "The Pee-wee Herman Show" on Broadway and subsequent appearances.

Beyond Pee-wee Herman

Paul Reubens showcased his versatility in various projects, including roles in "Mystery Men," "Blow," "Batman Returns," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Matilda." His television credits spanned popular shows like "30 Rock," "The Blacklist," "Pushing Daisies," "Hercules," "Rugrats," "Reno 911!," and "What We Do in the Shadows."

Facing Legal Challenges

In 2002, Reubens faced legal issues related to possession of obscene material, but child pornography charges were dropped in 2004 after he pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge.

A Clear Statement from Reubens

In a 2005 interview, Paul Reubens adamantly refuted any misconceptions, stating unequivocally that he was not involved in any illegal activities. He expressed a desire for the public to understand that he was not a pedophile.

A Legacy Continues

Before his passing, Paul Reubens was actively involved in developing two Pee-wee Herman projects: a black comedy titled "The Pee-wee Herman Story" and a family adventure film titled "Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Movie."

Paul Reubens' death marks the end of an era for fans worldwide, as they bid farewell to the beloved Pee-wee Herman. His talent, wit, and positive impact on comedy will forever be cherished, and his iconic character will remain a treasured figure in the hearts of many.