Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman actor, dead at 70 after secret cancer battle — rest in peace
Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman actor, dead at 70 after secret cancer battle — rest in peace
Newsner » Celebrity » Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman actor, dead at 70 after secret cancer battle — rest in peace
Paul Reubens, the comedic actor best known for his character Pee-wee Herman, has died at 70.
NEW YORK – CIRCA 1984: Paul Reubens as Pee Wee Herman circa 1984 in New York. (Photo by Images/Getty Images)
The actor died after a battle with cancer that he kept secret from the public, a statement from Reubens posted posthumously on his Instagram states.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens 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.”
“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,” representatives of Reubens wrote in the caption. “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.”
Born August 27, 1952, Reubens got his start as an actor and improv comic with The Groundlings in Los Angeles. After being rejected from Saturday Night Live, he developed his now-iconic character, the lovably eccentric and childlike Pee-wee Herman, for a stage show that became a hit in LA.
The Pee-wee Herman Show was recorded and aired on HBO, and Reubens began making talk show appearances as the character. The growing popularity led to the 1985 feature film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, directed by Tim Burton.
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Rest in peace to the incredible Paul Reubens, who made us laugh so much over the years as the iconic Pee-wee Herman 💔❤️
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