Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens dies at 70 after suffering a specific bout of cancer

Actor Paul Reubens, best known for playing Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday night after suffering a private bout of cancer. He was 70 years old.

“Please accept my apology for not making public what I’ve been facing for the past six years,” Reubens wrote on Instagram posthumously. “I have always had great love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I loved you all and enjoyed making art for you.”

“Last night, we said goodbye to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer who has delighted generations of children and adults with his beloved character Pee-wee Herman’s positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” wrote Reubens’. The estate in the title Paul bravely and privately battled cancer for years with his hallmark perseverance and intelligence. A gifted and prolific talent, a valued friend and a man of extraordinary character and generous spirit, he will live forever in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts.”

Reubens began his career in the 1970s after joining the Los Angeles live comedy group The Groundlings as an impromptu comedian and stage actor. In 1980 he launched “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a stage production focusing on a fictional character he had been developing for years. As Pee-wee became a beloved comic book figure, Reubens’ show ran for five months to sell out and made a special on HBO. Reubens also stayed true to the character in his interviews and public appearances.

In 1985, he collaborated with Tim Burton on the character’s feature film debut, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” which was a critical and commercial success. Reubens returned three years later for the sequel, “Big Top Pee-wee,” directed by Randal Kleiser.