Actor and comedian Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman across multiple films and a TV series in the ’80s, has died after a private battle with cancer. The star died Sunday night (July 30) at 70 years old.
After over 40 years, Paul Reubens will be remembered for roles across generations of film and TV. Back in the day, he was known for Blow, Nice Dreams, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Mystery Men. His biggest appearances as his beloved character, Pee-wee Herman, included The Pee-wee Herman Show, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Big Top Pee-wee, Christmas at Pee-wee’s, and Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
The announcement that Paul Reubens died came from official Pee-wee Herman social media pages (seen below).
Pee-Wee Herman Actor Paul Reubens Died From Cancer Sunday Night
The post focuses on Paul Reubens’ legacy as his beloved Pee-wee Herman character, who “delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness” for many long years before he died. The type of cancer was not specified, but it was written that he had “bravely and privately fought cancer for years.” Even through that, he did it with “his trademark tenacity and wit.”
Born in upstate New York in Peeskill, the actor’s family moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he spent most of his childhood and teens. After always dreaming of making it in Hollywood while growing up with his mother, a teacher, and an automobile salesman father, he eventually made it over to the entertainment business in the ’70s after joining the Los Angeles live comedy group, The Groundlings. Years of stage work and improvised comedy followed before developing Pee-wee Herman for a stage show. The character went on to other productions, like the movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which was directed by Tim Burton, who was relatively unknown at the time. Paul Reubens was so committed to the role that he often stayed in character during interviews.
Paul Reubens is survived by his two siblings, Luke and Abby Rubenfeld.
