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Fans in Los Angeles were remembering Mr. Reubens on Monday where his star appears on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Credit...Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Paul Reubens, the comedic actor best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70 in Los Angeles. His representative, Kelly Bush Novak, confirmed his passing and revealed that he had been privately battling cancer for years with his characteristic determination and wit.
Throughout his career that began in the 1960s, Reubens amassed numerous acting credits, appearing in popular television series like "Murphy Brown" and "The Blacklist," as well as movies such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Batman Returns," and "Blow." However, it was Pee-wee Herman, a creation born in the late 1970s during his time with the Los Angeles comedy troupe the Groundlings, that propelled him to unparalleled fame.
After an unsuccessful audition for "Saturday Night Live" in 1980, Reubens conceived "The Pee-wee Herman Show," a live stage performance that became a hit. This led to appearances on late-night talk shows, including "Late Night With David Letterman," where Pee-wee's quirky character perfectly complemented Letterman's laid-back demeanor.
In 1985, Pee-wee's popularity skyrocketed with the release of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," a film directed by Tim Burton. The following year, he starred in the beloved children's television series "Pee-wee's Playhouse," which aired on CBS for five years. The show's bizarre and imaginative content made it a unique and enduring part of 1980s pop culture.
Unfortunately, Reubens' career hit a rough patch in 1991 when he faced an arrest for indecent exposure in an adult movie theater. Though the incident affected his reputation, he continued to act and received an Emmy Award nomination for his guest appearance on "Murphy Brown" in 1995. In 2002, he faced another controversy when he was charged with possessing obscene material.
In 2010, Reubens decided to revive the Pee-wee character and stage show, eventually leading to a Broadway run. A new movie, "Pee-wee's Big Holiday," was released on Netflix in 2016, produced by Reubens and Judd Apatow.
Paul Reubens' enduring portrayal of Pee-wee Herman earned him immense love from fans, and he was constantly urged to create more Pee-wee content. Beyond his comedic success, Reubens was admired for his contributions to diversity in "Pee-wee's Playhouse," featuring actors of color in prominent roles.
Reubens is survived by his sister Abby Rubenfeld and his brother Luke Rubenfeld. His creative legacy and beloved character will forever be remembered and cherished by generations of fans.
