Paul Reubens’ legacy as a beloved American actor, comedian, writer, and producer continues to captivate audiences two years after his sudden passing on July 30, 2023. The iconic character Pee-wee Herman, created by Reubens, remains an integral part of pop culture.
Reubens appeared in several notable films and TV shows, including the HBO special “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” (1986-1990) and the Netflix original movie “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” (2016). His portrayal of Pee-wee inspired even the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, Stephen Hillenburg.
However, Reubens’ life was also marred by personal struggles. In 1991, he was arrested for exposing himself in an adult movie theater, and in 2002, he faced child pornography charges that were dropped after a guilty plea to obscenity.
Reubens kept his cancer diagnoses private but passed away due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure at the age of 70. The actor’s death announced an apology from Reubens for not publicly disclosing his illness.
The public reaction to Reubens’ death was overwhelmingly positive, with tributes from former costars and fellow comedians such as Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Sedaris, and Cher. A memorial celebration honoring the star took place at the Skirball Center in L.A., attended by 350 people, including speakers Conan O’Brien and Maya Rudolph.
In his final message recorded for the documentary “Pee-wee as Himself,” Reubens spoke about the pain of being labeled a pedophile and his desire to be understood. Before sharing this statement publicly, Reubens instructed his estate to post an apology on social media after his death, saying he had always felt love and respect from fans and supporters.
Through his iconic character and enduring legacy, Paul Reubens will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character.
Source: https://people.com/how-did-paul-reubens-die-11735803