Family, friends and fans are remembering Paul Reubens, who died of cancer on Sunday and was best known for his character Pee-wee Herman.

Reubens’ rep confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday: “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read the statement.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” the statement continued. “A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

A “brilliant and original comedian,” according to Jimmy Kimmel, and “really loved working with him,” according to Danny DeVito, who played Reubens’ son Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot in 1992’s Batman Returns. Very sad.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure director Tim Burton paid tribute to the late actor on social media.

“Stunned and depressed. I’ll never forget Paul’s assistance when I first started out in my career. Without his assistance, it would not have been possible. He had talent as an artist. He commented, “I’ll miss him,” next to an old photo of the two.

Paul, the Pee Wee to my Dottie, is how EG Daily, who played Dottie in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, hailed Reubens on Instagram. I’m so appreciative that I got to go on this fantastic ride with you. Intelligent, clever, loving, and compassionate.

Alumni of Pee-wee’s PlayhouseLove you so much, Paul,” Natasha Lyonne said with several pictures of Reubens. One in history. Thank you for launching my career, for our enduring relationship throughout the years, and for showing us what a real original is.

While attending California Institute of the Arts in 1973, Laraine Newman remembers meeting Reubens; she noted that the two “remained friends for the next 50 years.” Not every day. Just the kind of person you can text at random or have lunch with for three hours. Not to mention the birthday texts, which he sent all day. I’m feeling ill.

Eric Stonestreet disclosed in an Instagram tribute that featured a snippet of Reubens’ message that he was also “one of the many people Paul would send multiple birthday wishes to every year” after learning of his passing.

He continued, “I’m just so grateful I was one of them.” “This is a piece of one he sent me that I will cherish always. He was a true 1/1 and a national treasure. Paul, please pass away. ❤️❤️”

Ricki Lake said that she was “shaking with disbelief and unbearable sadness” as a result of learning of Reubens’ passing.

She posted a birthday message from the late actor along with the statement, “I am choosing to share this personal film, my buddy, of over three decades produced for my birthday. Paul Reubens was among my all-time favorite actors. A truly original and talented artist who is also a kind, devoted, and humorous friend.

The world won’t be the same without him, she said. Peace be with you, Paul. ♥️ 😩😩😩😩”

“Dear Paul, no birthday will be the same,” Garrett Hedlund wrote in a heartfelt tribute to Reubens on Instagram. Even if it was quiet, it still came from you.Memes, sincere messages, etc.We’ll continue to chuckle.

In her own remembrance post, Kathy Griffin recalled getting “hilarious gifs every year on my birthday” from Reubens. The post also included a GIF from one of his messages.

“I was unaware that he was ill. I invited him to one of my supper salons the last time we spoke, and he said he didn’t want to go because he was worried about Covid,” she wrote. After my Trump photo scandal, he visited me at home and spent time calming me down.

He and I both have a soft spot for classic actors and superstars. We could converse for hours, she added. “I joined the Groundlings because of him. He was a complex yet kind individual. Nearly too smart for one person. a genuine artist.

Always, the work came first. He was humorous and thoughtful off the stage. However, she has always adored playing peewee. Oh, God, I could continue forever. Our discussions. He had that quality that made you feel special just talking to him. So intelligent was he. He’ll be terribly missed. I’m sure you guys understand.#RIPPeewee #RIPPaulReubens.”

On Instagram, Joe Manganiello expressed his sorrow over the passing of his Pee-wee’s Big Holiday co-star, saying, “Man… this is terrible. When you know you won’t ever see someone again who meant a lot to you, saying goodbye can be incredibly difficult. Someone who fought for you, believed in you, and noticed qualities about you that others did not. To have a friend like that should be a privilege shared by all. I did, and I must now bid you farewell.

“Today, the world lost one of the greatest comedic geniuses of all time,” he concluded. “Paul was the biggest-hearted man on the globe, provocative, clever, and hilarious… Anyone who receives his birthday emails will understand what I mean. He had one of the deadliest eyes for talent I’ve ever seen, and he was a visionary who was decades ahead of his time.

Reubens “broke so many incredible actors (see everyone in Pee Wee’s Playhouse), directors (Tim Burton), and composers (Danny Elfman),” continued Manganiello. He was a freak and an artist who spoke up for other weirdos and artists, and his presence made the world a lot better place.

He was an icon with one of the most iconic faces ever, yet he was also this endearing underdog. Just being a part of his life and, ultimately, his comeback, makes me so happy. I am fortunate that I could always be there for him when he needed me after witnessing how persistently he showed up for people and his business with such joy. pals for life. RIP”

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday director Judd Apatow also commented on the news, describing it as “devastating.”

Apatow stated on Instagram that the information was “devastating.” Working with Paul for many years on Pee Wee’s Big Holiday allowed us to experience firsthand both his brilliance and generosity. He brought such joy to the world! I have never laughed so hard as I did while watching him perform live. He cannot be replaced.

Dave Itzkoff, a journalist for the New York Times, remembers meeting him in 2010 before he debuted a Pee-wee Broadway production. Itzkoff claimed that Reubens found it “so weird and so great” when fans addressed him in their best “Pee-wee Herman” impersonations.

After hearing the news, Amy Sedaris referred to Reubens’ passing as “heartbreaking” and added, “I just can’t believe it. He treated me very kindly. I loved him so much. That’s really sad, so sad.

Paul Feig, the filmmaker of Bridesmaids, dubbed him a “comedy genius.”

Reubens “brought me so much joy,” Andy Richter, a former Conan O’Brien sidekick, wrote on social media. “Getting to know him was a gift.” one of my true heroes.

On Twitter, Cher, who appeared as herself in a 1988 Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special, added, “Goodnight Paul.”

The Groundlings, an improv and sketch comedy theater, paid tribute to the late actor in a statement to PEOPLE, writing, “We were extremely saddened to hear of Paul Reubens dying today. Paul invented his notorious Peewee Herman persona here while a legendary member of The Groundlings in the 1970s and 1980s, and this character went on to become a decades-long cultural phenomenon.

Paul’s contributions to humor and entertainment have had a long-lasting effect on society, and the Groundlings community as a whole will mourn him dearly, the statement read. You are loved, Paul.

Reubens, who was 70 at the time of his passing, wrote a note to his followers on Instagram explaining why he decided to battle cancer discreetly.

Please accept my apologies for keeping what I’ve been going through private for the past six years, Reubens wrote. “I’ve always had a tremendous amount of affection from my friends, followers, and supporters. I have cherished creating art for each and every one of you.

Additionally, he requested that any sympathy gifts be sent in memory of his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, to Stand Up 2 Cancer or organizations dedicated to the support, treatment, and research of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.