Remembering Paul Reubens
• A large piece of our adult lives is now tragically missing, following the news that actor/writer/comedian Paul Reubens, best known and loved for his iconic portrayal of his creation, “Pee-wee Herman,” passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, after privately battling cancer. He was 70.
The sad news was broken on Reuben’s Instagram account in a statement that reads, “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. 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.”
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in a statement posted to Instagram after his death. “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.”
Born in 1952 in Peekskill, NY, Reubens fell in love with the circus and acting at a young age. He moved to Los Angeles in the ’70s and joined the improvisational sketch comedy group “The Groundlings,” where he developed the whimsical, bowtie wearing, man-child character with an infectious laugh, named Pee-wee Herman, who became an instant cult-figure. In 1980 he launched a stage production of The Pee-wee Herman Show, which later resulted in the wildly popular Pee-wee’s Playhouse TV show, an HBO special, two movies — Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Big Top Pee-wee, and a Netflix special. Reubens also made non-Pee-wee acting appearances in numerous movies and TV shows.
Reubens asked that any expressions of 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.
Our friends at Benztown have graciously made available an Audio Tribute to Paul Reubens, written and produced by Tom Green and voiced by Darren Silva.
