Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee Herman Creator, Dead At 70
It is a sad day in Hollywood as we all mourn the death of Paul Reubens, the beloved actor who played Pee-wee Herman. The actor had been secretly battling cancer for six years but succumbed to the disease at 70 years old. The news was announced earlier today by the official Pee-wee Herman Facebook page.
Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee has passed away following a six year battle with cancer.
Paul Reubens was a writer, actor, and comedian best known for portraying the character of Pee-wee Herman from the early 80s to 2016. The child-like persona of Pee-wee was a total hit for kids and adults alike, ever since his first appearance on The Groundlings TV show. He was easily recognized by his distinct look—a gray suit, red bow tie, pale skin, and red lipstick, and for his wacky voice and his big laugh.
Shortly after his first appearance on The Groundlings, Paul Reubens was cast in his very own HBO special, The Pee-wee Herman Show, which helped to publicize his new character. The emerging star then made guest appearances as Pee-wee Herman on Late Night with David Letterman, furthering his stardom and increasing his fanbase.
In 1985, Paul Reubens starred in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, an adventure comedy film that was directed by Tim Burton. The film was a huge success and sparked several additional films including Big Top Pee-wee (1988) and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016). In 2010, Paul Reubens even brought his character to Broadway for The Pee-wee Herman Show.
He apologized for not sharing his cancer diagnosis and journey with everyone, despite battling it for the previous six years.
Apart from his role as Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens landed many other acting roles throughout his long and entertaining career. He appeared in 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1996’s Matilda, and a few other Tim Burton films, including Batman Returns (1992) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). One of his more serious and impressive roles was in the 2001 drama Blow, where he was plays Derek Foreal, a cocaine-dealing hairstylist alongside Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz.
Before he passed, Paul Reubens wrote a message to his fans, which was then shared with the 1.5 million followers of his Pee-wee Herman Facebook page.
“I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Paul Reubens
He apologized for not sharing his cancer diagnosis and journey with everyone, despite battling it for the previous six years. It is unclear why he kept his health a secret from the world, but it could be that he just wanted to be left in peace rather than broadcast his pain. He also shared that he has always felt loved and respected by his friends, fans, and supporters.
Lastly, Paul Reubens said, “I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.” His fans have shared an outpouring of love back to the late actor, thanking him for all his years of entertainment and laughter. The seemingly endless Facebook comments share positive thoughts as well as the inspiration and admiration for his character of Pee-wee Herman.
The last wishes from Paul Reuben are that any sympathies be made in honor of his parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, to Stand Up to Cancer, and to other organizations that are working to provide care, support, and research for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
