Beloved actor and creator of “Pee-wee Herman,” Paul Reubens died Sunday after a private cancer battle, according to his official Instagram page.
“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,” the post was captioned.
Reubens debuted his iconic Pee-wee Herman character in 1978. Reubens would go on to star as Herman in tv show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and a major motion picture with “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 1985 and “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” in 2016.
He was 70 years old.
Reubens left behind a large body of comedic work and a message for his fans. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” wrote Reubens 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.”
CNN reported that Reubens came to show business early. Born in Peekskill, New York, Reubens grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and "developed an affinity for comedy early on in his life that he attributed in part to Sarasota being the winter home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Circus."
Reubens created the iconic character Pee-wee Herman after college as a member of the famed Los Angeles improv group, The Groundlings.
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