Paul Reubens, Creator of Pee-wee Herman, Is Dead at 70, losing battle with cancer.
With his bow tie, short drainpipe pants and flattop hairdo, Pee-wee became enshrined in the popular imagination as a symbol of childlike whimsy. Reubens left a statement with his team to share with the public after his death.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote. “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, also known as "Pee-wee Herman," was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He was born as Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, USA. Reubens is best known for creating and portraying the quirky and childlike character "Pee-wee Herman," who became an iconic figure in American pop culture during the 1980s.
Early Career: Reubens developed an interest in performing at a young age and studied drama at Boston University's College of Fine Arts. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career in acting and comedy. There, he became involved with the improvisational comedy group, The Groundlings, where he developed the character Pee-wee Herman.
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| By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79297544 |
Pee-wee Herman: Pee-wee Herman is a fictional character created by Reubens, inspired by a mix of various influences, including children's show hosts, cartoon characters, and the innocence of childhood. Pee-wee is known for his red bowtie, gray suit, high-pitched voice, and unique catchphrases like "I know you are, but what am I?" and "Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho." The character's childlike antics and enthusiasm resonated with both children and adults, making him a beloved and memorable figure in American entertainment.
The Pee-wee Herman Show: In 1981, Reubens debuted "The Pee-wee Herman Show," a live stage show featuring the character Pee-wee Herman. The show was a success and caught the attention of television executives. It led to "Pee-wee's Playhouse," a children's television series that ran from 1986 to 1990 on Saturday mornings. The show was a mix of live-action, puppets, and cartoons, and it further solidified Pee-wee's status as an iconic character loved by audiences of all ages.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure: In 1985, Reubens collaborated with director Tim Burton to create "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," a feature film that followed Pee-wee on a cross-country adventure to retrieve his beloved stolen bicycle. The film was a critical and commercial success, further elevating Pee-wee Herman's popularity.
Controversy: In 1991, Paul Reubens faced a personal and professional setback when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater. The incident resulted in negative publicity and had a significant impact on his career and the Pee-wee Herman persona. In the aftermath, Reubens kept a low profile and stepped away from the public eye for several years.
Career Revival and Return of Pee-wee: Despite the controversy, Reubens continued to work behind the scenes, contributing to various projects and doing voice work for animated films and TV shows. In the late 2000s, he began to make public appearances and revive the Pee-wee Herman character. In 2010, he brought "The Pee-wee Herman Show" back to the stage in Los Angeles and later adapted it into an HBO special.
Netflix's Pee-wee's Big Holiday: In 2016, Netflix released "Pee-wee's Big Holiday," a new Pee-wee Herman film produced by Judd Apatow. The movie was well-received, marking the character's successful return to the spotlight.
Paul Reubens' Legacy: Paul Reubens is celebrated for creating the lovable and timeless character Pee-wee Herman, who remains an enduring part of American popular culture. Reubens' portrayal of Pee-wee and his comedic talents have left a significant impact on the world of entertainment. He is also recognized for his contributions to children's entertainment, combining humor, imagination, and valuable life lessons in his work.
Paul Reubens has shown resilience and dedication to his craft, successfully reviving the Pee-wee Herman character and reminding audiences of the joy and laughter he brings. His legacy continues to inspire both aspiring comedians and fans alike, as Pee-wee Herman remains an unforgettable and beloved figure in the hearts of many.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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