Paul Rubens, who played Pee-wee Herman, passed away at age 70.
Reubens had been fighting cancer covertly, keeping the public in the dark about his condition. He urged his family to publish a posthumous statement in his honor on his Instagram account.
The note said, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been going through the last six years.” “My friends, admirers, and supporters have always shown me a tremendous amount of love and respect. I have cherished creating art for everyone of you and have appreciated doing so.
According to the late actor’s representatives, “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.” Paul bravely and quietly battled illness for years with his signature wit and bravery, the caption said.
He will always hold a special place in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a beloved friend and a man of extraordinary character and generosity of spirit. He is a creative and prolific talent.
Reubens, who was born on August 27, 1952, began his comedy career in Los Angeles with The Groundlings. He is most known for creating the Pee-wee Herman persona after being turned down by Saturday Night Live. His persona rose to fame and was adored by many. The Pee-wee Herman act was eventually recorded and broadcast on HBO, with Reubens making numerous TV appearances as Pee-wee Herman. He also had a stage act in Los Angeles.
A few times over the years, including in the 2010 Broadway production of The Pee-wee Herman Show and the 2016 Netflix film Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which served as his final acting role before passing away, the creator and star of the endearingly eccentric character that was featured in the TV series Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which ran from 1986 to 1990, returned to his Pee-wee Herman.
Reubens was prosecuted in 2002 with one misdemeanor count of possessing what were initially thought to be child pornographic photos; however, the charge was eventually withdrawn after the actor pled guilty to an obscenity charge. Prior to that, in 1991, he was detained for indecent exposure in a Florida pornographic establishment.
According to him, “I have probably become more infamous from two misdemeanors than probably anyone I could think of,” he told NBC in 2004.
In addition to appearing on TV shows like 30 Rock, Reno 911!, and Everyone Loves Raymond, Reubens scored roles in Mystery Men and Blow. He was nominated for an Emmy for his appearance in Murphy Brown as a guest star.
Reubens’ enduring character has brought millions of people to laughter over the years. Peace be upon him.
