Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian who created and portrayed the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by his team on Monday, July 31, 2023.
Reubens was best known for his quirky and childlike persona as Pee-wee Herman, a character he developed in the late 1970s as part of a comedy troupe called The Groundlings. He later brought Pee-wee to the big screen in the 1985 cult classic Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, directed by Tim Burton. The film spawned a successful TV show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which ran from 1986 to 1991 and won 15 Emmy Awards.
Reubens also appeared as Pee-wee in other films and TV shows, such as Big Top Pee-wee, Batman Returns, The Muppets, and Netflix’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday. He also voiced characters in animated shows such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Adventure Time.
Reubens was widely admired and respected by his peers and fans for his originality, creativity, and humor. He influenced a generation of comedians and performers with his unique style and vision.
A private struggle with cancer
Reubens had been diagnosed with two forms of cancer: acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow; and metastatic lung cancer, which had spread from his lungs to other parts of his body. He had been fighting the disease for six years, but kept his condition a secret from the public.
In a posthumous statement released on social media after his death, Reubens apologized for not going public with his illness sooner. He wrote:
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
He also asked for any expressions of sympathy to be made in honor of his late parents to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations that are involved with dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Reubens’ immediate cause of death was listed as acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which was most likely caused by the cancer. He was cremated and will be laid to rest in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
An outpouring of tributes
Reubens’ death sparked an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood celebrities, fellow comedians, and fans who expressed their sadness and gratitude for his legacy.
David Hasselhoff tweeted: “Paul Reubens was a genius! He made me laugh so hard! RIP Pee-wee Herman. You will be missed.”
Cher wrote: “Paul Reubens was one of the most talented & sweetest people I ever worked with. He was always so kind & generous to me. I loved him as a friend & as Pee-wee Herman. He was a legend & a treasure. I’m heartbroken.”
Natasha Lyonne, who made her TV acting debut on Pee-wee’s Playhouse when she was 6 years old, posted: “Love you so much, Paul. One in all time. Thank you for my career & your forever friendship all these years & for teaching us what a true original is.”
Cyndi Lauper, who recorded the vocals for Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh Pee-wee’s Playhouse theme song (she was credited as “Ellen Shaw”), shared: “He was a nut and I just love that about him. We had the same some sort of sensibility. I know he went through some ups and downs, but he was a really good guy and I am sorry to hear of his passing and that he had gotten so sick. Hopefully he’s cracking jokes and shooting a few rounds on the big miniature golf course in the sky.”
Reubens will be remembered as a comedy legend who brought joy and laughter to millions of people with his unforgettable character Pee-wee Herman.