Paul Reubens Radiated Joy In His Last Performance As Pee-Wee Herman

Aug 16, 2023

Certain characters become more than just figures on the screen as they've etched themselves into the public’s collective memory to become symbols of joy, laughter, and a cherished era. One such character, Pee-wee Herman, not only introduced the world to an eccentric man-child but also gifted the audience with an enduring figure of nostalgia and joy.

Paul Reubens, the creative actor behind Pee-wee, died of cancer in California on July 30, 2023. His last onscreen portrayal of Pee-wee was in the 2016 Netflix film, "Pee-wee's Big Holiday," but his actual final farewell took an unforeseen yet heartfelt route — through the medium of radio. 

The resounding success of the "Pee-wee Herman Radio Hour," a one-time broadcast that aired in November 2021, not only rekindled the magic of Pee-wee's world but also immortalized Reubens' profound passion for the character and his unwavering commitment to his dreams. The show reflected the story of how he found a new voice, a devoted creator's ultimate tribute, and a beloved actor's heartfelt farewell.

The “Pee-wee Herman Radio Hour” showcased the character as a KCRW DJ, a role that Reubens had longed to explore, according to Billboard. The endeavor not only allowed him to embrace the beloved character once more but also fulfilled a career dream that Reubens held dear to his heart. 

The idea for the radio show began to take shape about three years before it was aired. Reubens had mentioned his fondness for KCRW in an interview, and this seemingly casual remark led to the realization of his last project. After the station manager reached out to Reubens, the show took shape on a modest budget of $10,000. It took time to develop the program because Reubens took full control of the character's essence.

"He found himself in this position with moral and commercial ownership over this character," Paul Bennum, the radio station’s chief content officer, said. "He wanted to make sure that it was projected in ways that were as true to his moral objectives as to anything else." 

However, Bennum also stressed that Reubens was "joyful and gentle and inclusive” while working on this project. He also wanted to ensure that the radio broadcast would stick to his comedy roots.

His final show featured guest appearances from not only classic “Pee-wee's Playhouse” characters like Chairry, Conky, and Miss Yvonne. Notable celebrities like Jack White and Charo, Reubens' friends, appeared as guests as well. The actor also carefully curated the show's music playlist, emphasizing soul classics that resonated with the FM radio era he admired. 

Though the producers didn't know at the time that Reubens was battling cancer, there was a clue in hindsight.

"The only indications that I had were that I knew that he didn't have it in him to do the character physically anymore," Jesse Thorn, one of the producers, said. 

There were discussions about making more episodes of the "Pee-wee Herman Radio Hour,” but Reubens was meticulous about his work. He didn't want to make more shows unless they were really good and the station didn't have enough money to meet his standards. Despite this, those who worked with the actor had plenty of good memories of Reubens being "nice and easy to work with." 

Ruebens had no wife or kids when he died at the age of 70. Per Variety, he kept his illness private for six years following a diagnosis in 2017.

Generations of viewers will not forget Paul Reubens and Pee-wee Herman. Were you a fan of the actor? Do you have a fond memory of his character? Do you know any other fans who might love this story? Then pass this piece along!