We were incredibly saddened to hear that Paul Reubens, best known for playing Pee-wee Herman, passed away yesterday at the age of 70, six years after being diagnosed with cancer.
I really didn’t want to write this one. But I didn’t want to ignore it, either. Pee-wee Herman has been such an influence on so many people, myself included, when I used to watch him on Nickelodeon at my Granny’s house.
Reubens shared a message on social media yesterday which read:
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.
The post was released alongside this message written by his estate:
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.
Yeah. Cancer can get in the fucking sea. I don’t think there’s a single person who’ll read this post who hasn’t been affected by it in some way – I lost my best friend to it earlier this year.
I also don’t want to write that Reubens ‘battled’ cancer and ‘lost his fight’. To me, that’s just insulting.
Anyway, Reubens will always be remembered and is leaving an incredible legacy behind him. Thanks for the wonderful entertainment, Paul – you will be very much missed.
Well, I think it’s time I rewatched some Pee-wee Herman – don’t you? Here’s some ‘best of’ clips from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure to get us started:
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