Fans And Friends Of Celebrities Remember Paul Reubens For His 'Brilliant And Original' Role As Pee-wee Herman

Family, friends, and fans are mourning Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, who died of cancer on Sunday.

“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,” Reubens’ rep said in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday.

“Paul fought cancer bravely and privately for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” the statement said. “A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the pantheon of comedy and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

Jimmy Kimmel described him as a “brilliant and original comedian,” while Danny DeVito, who played Reubens’ son, Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot, in 1992’s Batman Returns, said he “really enjoyed working with him.” Very unfortunate.”

Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 31, 2023

Tim Burton, who directed Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in 1985, also paid tribute to the late star on social media.

“I’m stunned and saddened. I’ll never forget how Paul assisted me in the start of my profession. It would not have been possible without his assistance. He was a fantastic artist. “I’ll miss him,” he said with a photo of the two.

Amy Sedaris described Reubens’ death as “heartbreaking” after learning of his death, adding, “I just can’t believe it.” He was quite courteous to me. I was a huge fan of his. “It’s so sad.”

A post shared by Tim Burton (@timburton)

Dave Itzkoff, a New York Times journalist, remembers meeting him before he started a Pee-wee Broadway production in 2010. Itzkoff stated that Reubens thought it was “so weird and so great” when fans welcomed him in “Pee-wee Herman” voices.

Judd Apatow, the director of Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which was released in 2016, likewise expressed his shock at the news, calling it “devastating.”

“This is devastating news,” Apatow captioned a photo on Instagram. “We spent many years working with Paul on Pee Wee’s Big Holiday and witnessed his genius and kindness firsthand.” He made the entire globe happy! Seeing him play live gave me some of the loudest chuckles I’ve ever had. He is unreplaceable.”

I spent time in 2010 with Paul Reubens as he prepped a Pee-wee Herman B'way show.

Walking in NYC, he was taken by how vocally fans greeted him. He said it was “so weird and so great at the same time. It was odd and it was fantastic. Both rolled into one” https://t.co/7V1mdk5ojb
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) July 31, 2023

Paul Feig, the filmmaker of Bridesmaids, dubbed him a “comedy genius.”

Cher, who played herself in a 1988 Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special, also tweeted, “Goodnight Paul.”

This is devastating. Truly heartbreaking. Paul was such a comedy genius. From his Letterman appearances to his TV shows and movies, he was so original and hilarious. And such a sweet man too. This is a huge loss for comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Paul. https://t.co/l76VIXHl50
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 31, 2023

Andy Richter, a former Conan O’Brien sidekick, said Reubens “brought me so much joy, and getting to know him was a gift.” “He is truly one of my heroes.”

Just heard that Paul Reubens died. He brought me so much joy, and getting to know him was a gift. Truly one of my heroes. @peeweeherman
— Andy Richter@actualandyrichter.bsky.social (@AndyRichter) July 31, 2023

Fans And Friends Of Celebrities Remember Paul Reubens For His ‘Brilliant And Original’ Role As Pee-wee Herman

Family, friends, and fans are mourning Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, who died of cancer on Sunday.

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