Paul Reubens Dies At 70
Chattanooga, TN – The Pulse:
Paul Reubens, the actor most known for his children’s television character, Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70. His death was announced via his official Facebook page on Monday.
“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,” the announcement read.
Reubens privately battled cancer for years. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” he wrote in a statement included in the announcement. “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.”
The success of Reubens’ 1985 movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure led to the Pee-wee’s Playhouse series, which aired on CBS on Saturday mornings from 1986 to 1991.
Reubens faced setbacks in his career after he was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida, in 1991. Then in 2004, he was sentenced to three years probation for possessing “photographs of minors engaged in sexual conduct,” according to NBC News.
Despite these incidents, Reubens went on to star in movies such as Batman Returns, Blow, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He also appeared on television shows such as 30 Rock, Murphy Brown, Gotham, and Reno: 911.
Many in Hollywood took to social media on Monday (July 31st) to pay tribute to the late actor, including Jimmy Kimmel, Tim Burton, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris, Laraine Newman, and Cher.
Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 31, 2023
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Paul and I first met in 1973 at Cal Arts. We remained friends for the next 50 years. Not day to day. Just the kind of friend that you can text out of nowhere or have a 3 hour lunch with. And don’t get me started on the birthday texts-he sent them ALL DAY. I feel sick. pic.twitter.com/GEX9oXuiG1
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) July 31, 2023
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. ♥️♥️💔 #PaulReubens #PeeWeeHerman ♥️ pic.twitter.com/GMcBaEgWix
— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) July 31, 2023
