‘Pee-Wee Herman’ Star Paul Reubens Passes Away After Secret Cancer Battle At 70

Aug 01, 2023

Paul Reubens, the actor famous for his role as Pee-Wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70 after a secret battle with cancer. The announcement was made on Instagram by the entertainer's estate and 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." 

Alongside a portrait of the star was a message Reubens had left for his fans prior to his passing that included an apology for not revealing his health condition.

"Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years," he 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."

According to TMZ, Reubens had a brain tumor removed in 2017, although it remains unclear what kind of cancer Reubens had been battling before his death.

Born on Aug. 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, Reubens was best known for portraying the whimsical character Pee-Wee Herman, a cultural icon cherished by audiences of all ages. Reubens introduced the character in the 1970s as a childlike and quirky man with a red bow tie, gray suit and slick black hair who was the embodiment of innocence and silliness. The character initially emerged as part of a comedy improvisation group called The Groundlings, where Reubens developed and refined the eccentric persona. Pee-Wee Herman's popularity grew rapidly, leading to appearances on various television shows, most notably "The Pee-Wee Herman Show," which premiered as a live stage show in 1981.

In 1985, Pee-Wee Herman's big-screen debut arrived with the film "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure." The movie, directed by Tim Burton, became a surprise hit, endearing Pee-Wee to a broader audience. Reubens' portrayal of Pee-Wee's childlike enthusiasm, quirky charm and comic timing captivated viewers, solidifying his status as a gifted comedic actor. It was also a spectacular surprise success, raking in $45 million at the box office while only costing about $6 million to make.

Pee-Wee's popularity skyrocketed with the release of "Pee-Wee's Playhouse," a children's television show that ran from 1986 to 1990. The show featured Pee-Wee's imaginative world, complete with wacky characters, talking furniture and moral lessons for young viewers. "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, showcasing Reubens' unmatched ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Despite Pee-Wee Herman's overwhelming success, Reubens faced a significant setback in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult movie theater. The incident sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and put Reubens' career in jeopardy. However, in the face of adversity, he remained resolute, gradually distancing himself from the Pee-Wee persona and focusing on other projects.

After years of relative seclusion, Reubens made a triumphant return to the spotlight in the late 1990s and 2000s. He demonstrated his versatility as an actor, taking on roles in various films such as 1992's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Burton's "Batman Returns" "Matilda," "Dunston Checks In" and "Blow." He also had roles on television shows, including "Murphy Brown," "30 Rock," "Ally McBeal," and "Everybody Loves Raymond."

Reubens again faced trouble with the law in 2002 when police raided his home to find a collection of obscene materials. Reubens handed himself in and was charged with misdemeanor possession of obscene material improperly depicting underage children. However, this was dropped in exchange for Reubens's guilty plea to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge. 

Reubens staunchly defended himself, saying the materials were part of a vintage collection. He told NBC News:

"I don't want anyone for one second to think that I am titillated by images of children. It's not me. You can say lots of things about me. And you might. The public may think I'm weird. They may think I'm crazy or anything that anyone wants to think about me. That's all fine. As long as one of the things you're not thinking about me is that I'm a pedophile. Because that's not true."

Despite his broader repertoire, fans remained eager to see him reprise Pee-Wee Herman. In 2010, Reubens revived the beloved character with "The Pee-Wee Herman Show" on Broadway, bringing joy to longtime fans and a new generation alike. His appeal carried on into television again when the Netflix film, "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday," produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Judd Apatow, was released in 2015 to rave reviews. The film also starred Joe Manganiello and was Reubens's last foray as Pee-Wee before his passing.

His devotion to the role of Pee-Wee Herman and commitment to spreading laughter earned Reubens a devoted fan base and secured his place in entertainment history. His portrayal of Pee-Wee transcended generations, capturing hearts young and old, and his passing has since led to an outpouring of tributes from friends, family and those in the entertainment industry who cherished him over the years. 

Thank you for the joy and laughter, Paul Reubens. What are your favorite memories of the talented entertainer? Let us know, and then pass this along to friends and family who loved to watch Reubens, too.