Paul Reubens, actor best known as Pee-wee Herman, dies at 70
NEW YORK – Reubens’ rep confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, revealing that the actor had cancer for years before he died.
“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,” read the statement.
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“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” it continued. “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.”
Who was Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens born Rubenfeld, Peekskill, New York August 27, 1952. was an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and children’s entertainer. He was known for his character Pee-wee Herman. Reubens joined the Los Angeles troupe The Groundlings in the 1970s, and started his career as an improvisational comedian and stage actor. In 1982, Reubens began appearing in a show about a character he had been developing for years. The show was called The Pee-wee Herman Show, and ran for five sold-out months; HBO also produced a successful special about it.
Pee-wee became an instant cult figure and, for the next decade, Reubens was completely committed to his character, doing all of his public appearances and interviews as Pee-wee. His feature film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), directed by Tim Burton, was a financial and critical success, and soon developed into a cult film. Its sequel, Big Top Pee-wee (1988), was less successful. Between 1986 and 1990, Reubens starred as Pee-wee in the CBS Saturday-morning children’s program Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Paul Reubens’s Family
Father: Milton Rubenfeld, Mother: Judy(Rosen), Siblings: Abby Rubenfeld, Luke Rubenfeld
He was previously married to Chandi Heffner, though not much is known about her and their married life. There are numerous rumours regarding his sexuality and it is often speculated that he is homosexual.