Paul Reubens (1952-2023) died unexpectedly at the age of 70. As it became known after his death, the US actor had been battling cancer for the past six years. In a final statement, Reubens, best known for portraying the popular character Pee-wee Herman, addressed his fans.
“Last night we said goodbye to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman has delighted generations of children and adults alike with his positivity, goofiness and belief in the importance of kindness has,” reads a post on Reubens’ Instagram profile. For years he courageously faced the fight against his cancer in private. “He will live forever in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a valued friend and a man of remarkable character and a magnanimous spirit.”
The late actor also addressed his fans in an attached statement. Reubens fought his illness for six years. “I have always felt a great amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Born in Peekskill, New York, in 1952, Reubens was drawn to the theater at an early age. He first gained notoriety in the late 1970s alongside John Belushi (1949-1982), Bill Murray (72) and Dan Aykroyd (71) in the TV comedy “Things We Did Last Summer”. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his character Pee-wee Herman, who made one of his debut appearances in the comedy More Smoke About Nothing. Numerous other engagements in this role followed, including in his own series (“Pee-wee’s Playhouse”) and in films such as “Pee-wee’s crazy adventures” by today’s cult director Tim Burton (64).
