Paul Reubens, a well-known actor best known for his 1980s portrayal of children’s television personality Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70 after succumbing to cancer, his team announced on Monday.
One statement, posted on his Facebook, read: “Last night, we said goodbye to the acclaimed American actor, comedian, writer, and producer Paul Reubens, who delighted kids and adults alike as his beloved character Pee-wee Herman, bringing joy with his positivism, eccentricity, and generosity.
“Paul Reubens battled cancer for many years with bravery, his renowned tenacity, and intelligence. He will always be remembered as a beloved friend and a great personality who brought comedy to life and touched our hearts. He was a gifted and varied performer.
He hadn’t previously spoken about his cancer diagnosis.
The actor explained why he kept his physical condition a secret for the previous six years in a personal message that was published along with the news of his death.
He wrote, “I ask your pardon for not making my struggle public all these years.” “My friends, admirers, and supporters have always shown me a great deal of love and respect. I’ve cherished everyone of you and delighted in making art for you.
The Pee-wee Herman character, played by Paul Reubens, became famous for his trademark bow tie and slogan, “I know you are, but what am I?” during the 1980s and 1990s.
The Los Angeles stage production that Paul Reubens wrote featured Pee-wee as its leading man and set attendance records in 1981.
When Paul Reubens eventually acted in Tim Burton’s 1985 picture “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” he finally got his big break. The film, which was only moderately successful at the box office, chronicled Pee-wee’s amusing and ridiculous search for his stolen bike. It quickly gained a cult following.
The success of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” inspired Paul Reubens to host the Saturday morning CBS program “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” which ran from 1986 to 1991 and became popular with both kids and adults.
Reubens’ stardom, however, met a snag in 1991 when he turned down the opportunity to participate in an adult film festival in Sarasota, Florida.
Reubens was sentenced to three years of probation in 2004 after being accused of engaging in improper behavior with children. He also had to register as a sex offender. Charges against him included having pictures of young people having sex, and those pictures were later seized.
Reubens was able to reclaim his place in the spotlight despite the legal difficulties. In Tim Burton’s 1992 smash sequel “Batman Returns,” he made a cameo and played the Penguin’s father. In the same year, he gave up his well-known part as a blood-sucking hairdresser in the movie “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” breaking with his reputation for peeing on the moon.
Alongside Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp, Reubens played a drug-dealing hairstylist in the 2001 movie “Blow,” which earned positive reviews from critics.
His television appearances include those on “30 Rock,” “The Blacklist,” and “Gotham.”
Reubens’ career and the discovery of his well-known alter identity both began at the Groundlings Improv and Sketch Comedy Theater, which released a statement on Monday in his memory. “Paul invented his famous character Pee-wee Herman here while a distinguished member of the Groundlings in the 1970s and 1980s, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon for decades. The Groundlings collective will remember him with affection because of his lovable and comic presence in the world. You are loved, Paul.
Paul Reubens was unlike anyone else – a talented and unique comic performer who simultaneously made children and their parents laugh, according to late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel. He never forgot his birthday and was genuine in his glee at his own foolishness. We shall always remember him in my family.”
Conan O’Brien, a comedian and podcaster, recalled Reubens’ “magic, generosity, talent, and genuinely dumb sense of humor.”
O’Brien said in a statement, “I know anyone who knows him has an untold number of pointless memes that Paul shared with them on their birthday, and that includes me.” He gave us all a gift with his sincere humor and extraordinary kindness. Oh, my God, how sad.
Natasha Lyonne, an actress best known for her appearances in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Poker Face,” credited Reubens with launching her career because she had a regular part in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” as a young child.
Paul, I love you so much,” Lyonne posted on social media. The only. I appreciate you being my friend throughout my entire stay here and for showing us what a real original is.
