Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, is Mourned—Dead at 70
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman (Photo from his Facebook page)
Actor Paul Reubens, best known for his long-running role as the man-child Pee-wee Herman, died July 30, 2023, according to a statement by his family. The cause was cancer, an illness he kept secret for years; Reubens was 70.
A post on the comic’s social media pages read: “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.”
Additionally, a statement prepared previously by Reubens was posted: “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.”
Tributes from other show business figures poured in immediately after the announcement. Among them was this statement from TV host Jimmy Kimmel:
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
Actor/musician Steve Martin posted…
Pee Wee got his wish to fly.
Thanks Paul Reubens for the brilliant off the wall comedy.
Our boy Pee Wee…#peewee #paulreubens pic.twitter.com/N5t8orXLD1— Steve Martin (@UnrealBluegrass) July 31, 2023
Singer Nancy Sinatra wrote, “Oh, dear, this makes me very sad. Bless your sweet, sad heart and godspeed, Paul Reubens. Another sweet twinkle in the sky and in our grateful hearts.”
No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens. Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts.
— Conan O’Brien (@ConanOBrien) July 31, 2023
God bless all clowns @peeweeherman @MagicCastle_AMA pic.twitter.com/nlXH941DjC
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) July 31, 2023
More tributes appear below.
Paul Reubens was born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, N.Y. He grew up in Sarasota, Fla., where he took up acting beginning at age 11. He continued to study acting in school and joined a comedy troupe called the Groundlings, with which he created a number of comedic characters. Pee-wee Herman debuted in 1978 and by the ’80s had become a national sensation. The Pee-Wee Herman Show was launched in 1981 and ran for five months. HBO aired one Los Angeles Pee-wee performance as a special. Reunbens also sold out New York’s Carnegie Hall, and appeared on David Letterman’s late-night TV program. The film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, released in 1985, became a smash, grossing $45 million. His popular TV series, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, ran from 1986-90.
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In 1991, Reubens’ image was shattered when he was arrested in a police sting operation for indecent exposure in a Sarasota movie theater. As a result, Reubens announced he would no longer perform as Pee-wee, although in 2016 he starred in another film, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday. He continued to act in other films and TV programs, although he never regained the level of popularity he had enjoyed before the arrest.
Watch the “Tequila” scene from 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
Tim Burton directed Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. He wrote, “Shocked and saddened. I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
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
From actress Morgan Fairchild: “I am devastated to hear of the passing of my friend, Paul Reubens!! He kept canceling lunch and offers to get together, but I had no idea he was suffering so much. My love and white light to him and his family #rippaulreubens #rippeewee #rippeeweeherman 💔💔💔💔💔”
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
From Stephen Bishop: “I am absolutely devastated right now. I just learned that my pal Paul Reubens (aka Pee-wee Herman) has passed away from cancer. Cancer sucks. He was a gifted and prolific talent, generous with his time and spirit. Paul could always make me laugh, even when I was down. I’m grateful for our friendship and how he inspired millions of others to not take life so seriously.”
RIP @peeweeherman aka Paul Rueben. We shared a moment. It was Pee Wee’s decision for @TwistedSisterNY to be performing “Burn In Hell” during that scene. pic.twitter.com/ZkX8zRP88a
— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) July 31, 2023
From the B-52’s: “Rest in peace, our dear friend, Paul Reubens. A very kind soul and one of the funniest people on Earth. Fly onto your next big adventure! You will be missed.”
Paul Reubens was a great, great friend. He gave me the muppets for my birthday and never forgot anyone’s birthday from our class. He was in my class at CalArts and room mates! He was always kind to me and to everyone. He will be missed. #paulreubens #peeweeherman pic.twitter.com/FxI3H3COYL
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) July 31, 2023
From director Paul Feig: “This is devastating. Truly heartbreaking. Paul was such a comedy genius. From his Letterman appearances to his TV shows and movies, he was so original and hilarious. And such a sweet man too. This is a huge loss for comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Paul.”
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationRest In Peace, Paul Reubens.
The 1981 HBO Special “The Pee-Wee Herman Show”
Is an enduring classic, with the late great Phil Hartman as Kap’n Karl (Captain Karl), prior to his SNL days.
Two very funny and talented performers and writers, who left their mark on the entertainment world, but left this world too soon.
In remembrance, as Jambi would chant:
“Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho!” and Godspeed Pee-Wee/Paul Reubens.