Actor Paul Reubens has died after years of battling cancer at age 70. He rose to fame in the 1980s as children’s TV star Pee-wee Herman.
“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,” according to a statement posted to his Facebook.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. 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.”
Paul Ruebens aka ‘Pee-Wee Herman’ has passed at the age of 70 after suffering a lengthy, private battle with cancer.
Paul developed the Pee-Wee character in the 1970’s which ultimately led to his major mainstream breakthrough, Tim Burton’s iconic classic film, ‘Pee-Wee’s Big… pic.twitter.com/vCfzVJJi7I— Steven Steele (@MrStevenSteele) July 31, 2023
It was not publicly disclosed that Reubens was diagnosed with cancer. In a personal statement, Reubens explained how he kept his medical condition private for years.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” he wrote. “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.”
In 1985, Reubens received his “big break” as he starred in the movie, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Hollywood icon Tim Burton.
Paul Ruebens would send 20 funny gifs to me on my birthday.
I know I was just one of the many people he made feel special on their birthday. I’m thankful I was one of them. This was his last bday message to me. I’ll keep it forever. Rest In Peace Paul. You were 1/1 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/A1nNtYHbKv— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) July 31, 2023
“The movie followed Pee-wee’s surreal and slapstick journey to find his missing bicycle and, while a modest box office hit, became a cult favorite,” the report said.
“The success of ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ led to Reubens landing a Saturday morning CBS show, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse.’ The live action show was a hit with kids and adults alike and ran from 1986 to 1991,” the report added.
RIP PAUL RUEBENS
😟 #peeweeherman #paulruebens pic.twitter.com/ZmMWk76Yn7
— paul treherne (@paultreherne) July 31, 2023
He later appears on “30 Rock,” “The Blacklist” and “Gotham.”
“Paul Reubens was like no one else — a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” comedian Jimmy Kimmel said.
“He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
