Paul Reubens, the acclaimed American actor known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70, according to an announcement by his publicist.
In a heartfelt post on his verified social media, it was revealed that Reubens had privately battled cancer for years with tenacity and wit. He was celebrated as a gifted and prolific talent whose portrayal of Pee-wee Herman brought joy to countless generations of both children and adults, leaving a lasting impact with his positive, whimsical, and kind-hearted persona.
Reubens expressed his gratitude and love to his friends, fans, and supporters, explaining that he had chosen not to publicly disclose his health struggles for the past six years. He cherished the opportunity to create art and entertainment for his audience, fostering a deep bond with them over the years.
Born in Peekskill, New York, Reubens grew up in Sarasota, Florida, where his passion for comedy flourished, partly influenced by the city’s association with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Circus during winter. From an early age, he embraced the world of theater, and his journey to fame began when he stepped onto the stage as Nick Burns in “A Thousand Clowns” at The Players Theatre during sixth grade.
Throughout his school years, Reubens continued to shine in the spotlight, participating in various plays and taking leading roles in productions like “The Comedy of Errors,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Guys and Dolls.” His talents earned him recognition and the title of “Most Talented” during his senior year.
After graduating from high school, Reubens pursued his passion by enrolling in Boston University’s theatre department and later attending the acting program at California Institute of the Arts, founded by Walt Disney.
It was during his time as a member of the renowned Los Angeles improv group, The Groundlings, that Reubens created the beloved character Pee-wee Herman. His show, “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” premiered at The Groundlings Theatre in 1981 before captivating a national audience through an HBO broadcast.
The character of Pee-wee Herman further endeared himself to audiences on the big screen with the 1985 comedy “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” co-written by Reubens.
Continuing his success, Reubens co-wrote, co-directed, and produced the acclaimed series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” on CBS, which earned an impressive 22 Emmy Awards during its run from 1986 to 1991. Throughout his career, Reubens received 14 Emmy Award nominations and won twice.
In 2010, he returned with “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a revived version produced, co-written, and starring Reubens himself. The production garnered rave reviews during its run at The Stephen Sondheim Theater on Broadway.
Paul Reubens’ passing marks the end of an era for fans who adored his timeless character, Pee-wee Herman, and his exceptional contributions to the world of comedy and entertainment will forever be cherished and celebrated.
View this post on Instagram