Paul Reubens, who created and portrayed the iconic Pee-wee Herman character, died yesterday. He was 70.
The official Pee-wee Herman Instagram account posted the following statement:
"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."
They also posted a note from Reubens himself, saying, "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years. 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 to Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, he shot to fame in 1981 after appearing as Herman in a television special. He went on to star in a film franchise that included 1985's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", "Big Top Pee-wee" in 1988, and 2016's "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday". He also starred in "Pee-wee's Playhouse", a tv series that ran from 1986 to 1991. He was also the voice for numerous characters, even a Disney animatronic.
He ran into trouble in 1991 after pleading no contest to indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota Florida, as well as a misdemeanor obscenity charge in 2004, after having photographs of minors engaged in sexual conduct in his possession.
His other TV credits included "Gotham", "Blacklist" and "30 Rock".
The Instagram account also posted that Paul asked that any expressions of sympathy be made in honor of his late parents, to Stand Up to Cancer, or any organization involved in Dementia or Alzheimer's Care, support, and research.
