Paul Reubens, US actor who played Pee-wee Herman, dies at 70

 

Paul Reubens, an American actor and comedian who was best known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman, has died, a post on his Instagram account said on Monday.

The post read, "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.”

Reportedly, Paul Reubens died after a six years-long battle with cancer. He was aged 70. He was famous for his nerdy character who wore a gray suit and red bowtie. He had his distinctive "heh heh heh" laugh.

Before dying, he also wrote a message to his fans. He said, “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 career was affected in 1991 after he was arrested on charges of indecent exposure at an adult movie theater. He also had to serve 75 hours of community service because of the charges.

In 2004, he pleaded guilty of possessing obscene material. Subsequently, the actor was sentenced to three years of probation. The whole controversy affected his career and life. 

He was born in 1952 in Peekskill, New York. He started his career as a comedian and stage actor in the 1970s. The famous actor joined the Los Angeles troupe The Groundlings to start his career.

In 1982, his stage show dubbed, "The Pee-wee Herman Show," became popular across the United States. He appeared as a lead character in the show. In 1986, he appeared in the famous Saturday morning television show "Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” The popular show included two feature films as Pee-wee Herman.

Paul Reubens’ facial expressions and dialogue deliveries were reportedly loved by fans. It gave adoring fans with tongue-in-cheek moral lessons and off-the-wall satire.