Actor Pee-wee Herman Has Died

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Paul Reubens — Pee-wee Herman — has passed away.

You couldn’t have been alive in the 1980s without knowing exactly who Pee-wee Herman was.

I know you are, but what am I?

Pee-wee Herman

Paul Reubens was 70 years old, and it turns out he had been going through a private bout with cancer.

The public was not made aware of his struggle, and he chose to fight it out of the eye of the media.

This is such sad news.

My whole childhood is wrapped up in Pee-wee’s Playhouse and all the Pee-wee Herman movies.

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.

Paul Reubens

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 Reubens’ Estate

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.

Paul Reubens’ Estate

Farewell Pee-wee Herman. Thanks for all the memories!