Paul Reubens, beloved children’s entertainer best known for playing Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday after “bravely and privately” fighting cancer. He was 70.
The actor released a posthumous statement via Instagram Monday, apologizing for his secrecy.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote prior to 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,” he concluded.
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In addition to a request for “any expressions of sympathy” to be made in his parents’ honor with Stand Up to Cancer donations, the social media upload included a lengthy 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,” the caption read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.”
The post called Reubens “a gifted and prolific talent,” writing, “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.”
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Page Six has reached out to Paul Reubens’ rep for further comment.
The “Pee-wee Herman Show” actor began playing the iconic character in 1982, going on to star in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “Big Top Pee-Wee” and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
During Reubens’ break from the character, he was arrested multiple times for allegedly exposing himself at an adult movie theater, possessing marijuana and possessing images that were initially characterized as child pornography.
In 2004, the latter charges were dropped. Reubens pleaded guilty to a lesser obscenity charge at the time.
Reubens did play Pee-wee again, bringing the character to Broadway in 2010. He subsequently co-wrote and starred in “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” on Netflix, with the 2019 film marking his last reprisal of the role onscreen.
Fans of the comedian mourned his loss in the comments section of his Instagram reveal Monday.
“This is so sad. Rest easy legend, and thx for all the fun and secret words,” one Instagram user wrote, while another called Reubens their “hero forever.”
