Legendary Actor Paul Reubens Has Passed Away at Age 70
It has been confirmed that Paul Reubens passed away on July 30th, 2023. He was 70 years old.
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Reubens passed away following a private bout of cancer.
A Legendary Career
According to the official Pee-wee Herman Facebook account, Paul Reubens passed away on Sunday, July 30th. The statement is as follows:
“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. 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.”
Aside from being known for portraying Pee-wee Herman in Pee-wee’s Playhouse, he began his career in comedy, eventually joining The Groundlings in Los Angeles.
When it comes to Disney and Disney Parks, Reubens was part of the original Backlot Tour as Pee-wee Herman at Disney-MGM Studios.
He also portrayed RX-24/Captain Rex on the original Star Tours attraction, and later reprised the role of the same character in the “Droids in Distress” episode of Star Wars Rebels and also as the DJ (now known as R-3X) at Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Some of his other Disney voice acting credits include Phineas and Ferb, Hercules, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
Paul Reubens – Our Captain, our DJ, our Rex. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/0Io2Tpr59O
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 31, 2023
According to Reubens’ social media accounts, he had been suffering from cancer for the past six years. He stated posthumously:
“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 all my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Reubens has requested that expressions of sympathy be made through donations in honor of his parents Judy and Milton Rubenfelt to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Our thoughts are with Paul Reubens’ loved ones at this time.