Paul Reubens, the comedian who played the popular children’s character Pee-wee Herman, has died at 70 following a battle with cancer.
“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,” Reubens’ long-time rep said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
“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,” she added.
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Pee Wee Herman appears on NBC News’ “Today” show. (Peter Kramer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
In a personal statement he wrote before his passing, Reubens addressed his time away from the limelight. It was shared in a social media post that published after the news broke of his death.
Paul Reubens had privately been battling cancer before he died. (Art Streiber / August @aspictures)
“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.”
In a separate statement, Paul requested “sympathy be made in honor of [his] late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support and research.”
Actor Paul Reubens poses for a portrait in July 1995 in Los Angeles. (Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images)
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Born in New York and raised in Florida, Reubens began acting at an early age.
After college, while at The Groundlings Theatre & School in Los Angeles, Reubens created the famous Pee-wee character, with his set premiering in 1981. He later performed at The Roxy on the Sunset Strip.
By 1981, the show had been moved to broadcast on HBO with Reubens amassing an even greater following nationwide. Due to success on the small screen – Warner Bros. was interested in taking Pee-wee to the silver screen, with the movie that was Tim Burton’s directorial debut, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 1985.
Publicity still from “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” (CBS), a children’s television show starring Paul Reubens and John Paragon, 1986. (John Kisch Archive/Getty Images)
“Pee-wee’s Playhouse” on CBS began in 1986, and accrued 22 Emmy Awards during its five-year run on television. Reuben was personally nominated for 14 Emmy Awards, and he won two.
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