After a long battle with cancer, actor Paul Reubens took his last breathe on Sunday night at the age of 70.
Greubens battled cancer for six years while remaining quiet about it. He fought the illness with his “signature tenacity and wit.” After passing away, Paul’s family posted a statement in which the actor begged for pardon for not disclosing his diagnosis. The note goes like, “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.”
His death was revealed on internet by his estate. On his Instagram profile, they posted: “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.”
The post continued, “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.”
Together with the late Phil Hartman, Reubens invented the beloved Pee-Wee Herman character, which eventually inspired his 1985 film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and an HBO special in 1981.
