Paul Reubens, the beloved actor, comedian, writer, and producer, known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70. The news of his death was announced on his official Facebook page, stating that Reubens had been privately battling cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
Reubens first created the character of Pee-wee Herman while working with the Los Angeles comedy troupe The Groundlings in 1978. After failing to land a spot on Saturday Night Live in 1980, Reubens took the character to the stage, and his performance was captured in an HBO special in 1981. He also made appearances in Cheech & Chong films and on Late Night With David Letterman, always in character and keeping his real identity a secret.
However, it was his CBS Saturday morning children’s program, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, that truly solidified Reubens as a beloved figure. The show, which ran for five seasons from 1986 to 1991, featured Pee-wee in a fantastical playhouse filled with toys, gadgets, and talking furniture. The series earned 22 Emmy Awards, including two that Reubens shared in 1988 and 1991.
Tragically, Reubens’ career suffered a setback in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater. Despite the controversy, Reubens remained resilient and determined to continue his work. He said, “I make the rules of when I’m coming back and when I’m not coming back, and what I do next.”
Related Post
Throughout his career, Reubens appeared in films such as Batman Returns and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as television shows like Murphy Brown, Reno 911!, and What We Do in the Shadows. He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his talents to projects including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Family Guy.
In 2010, Reubens brought Pee-wee Herman back to life with a revival of The Pee-wee Herman Show, first in Los Angeles and then on Broadway. He continued to work on Pee-wee projects, including the film Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, and was actively developing new projects for both TV and film.
Reubens lived a private life, rarely sharing details about his personal struggles. In his final Facebook post, he apologized for not going public with his health issues but expressed gratitude for the love and support he felt from his friends, fans, and supporters.
Paul Reubens leaves behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential figures in comedy. His character Pee-wee Herman brought joy and laughter to generations of children and adults alike, and his positive and whimsical approach to life will be remembered and treasured for years to come.
In memory of Paul Reubens, donations can be made to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in battling dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
