Beloved actor Paul Reubens, known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has passed away after a private six-year battle with cancer. In a posthumous Instagram statement, he apologized for not disclosing his struggle and expressed love and gratitude to his fans. Representatives described him as an “iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer” whose Pee-wee Herman character brought joy and kindness to both children and adults. Reubens, born in 1952, began as an actor and improv comic with The Groundlings and gained fame with Pee-wee Herman’s character, leading to the 1985 film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and the TV show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”

Despite a career setback due to an arrest in 1991, Reubens continued to act and later revived Pee-wee in a successful stage show in 2010. He also starred in “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” a Netflix film in 2016. Paul Reubens’ legacy as Pee-wee Herman will continue to bring laughter and joy to generations. Rest in peace, Paul Reubens.