Paul Reubens Dies at 70
After a quiet battle with illness, Paul Reubens, the actor best remembered for playing the irascible, gleefully innocent Pee-wee Herman, passed away on Sunday night aged 70.
Rueben wrote a message on his Instagram to be posted after his death saying ‘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’
The Pee-wee Herman character was recognisable for his bright red bowtie, grey suit, and flattop hairdo. He also had a characteristic squeaky, high-pitched voice that he used to deliver catchphrases like “I know you are, but what am I?”
Pauls estate released a statement saying ‘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. 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‘
He was well recognised for collaborating with Tim Burton on the critically acclaimed and financially successful 1985 feature picture “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” which introduced the character. Three years later, Reubens made a comeback in the sequel “Big Top Pee-wee,” directed by Randal Kleiser. From 1986 through 1990, the character made the crossover to television on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” a weekend morning programme on CBS.
The groundbreaking “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” which drew inspiration from classic children’s programmes like “Captain Kangaroo,” won several Emmys and featured a colourful postmodernist set design, music by New Wave legends like Mark Mothersbaugh, Cyndi Lauper, and the Residents, as well as appearances by celebrities like Laurence Fishburne, Natasha Lyonne, and Jimmy Smits.
Prior to his passing, Reubens was working on two Pee-wee Herman projects, one of which was a black comedy called “The Pee-wee Herman Story” and the other was a family adventure movie called “Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Movie.” At least we have his other works to look back on fondly and celebrate an actor who gave joy to a lot of people.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
