Netflix Remembers Paul Ruebens’ Iconic Pee-wee, as American Comedy Stalwart Passes Away at 70

via Getty
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – OCTOBER 15: Actor Paul Reubens aka “Pee-wee Herman” arrive at Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2011” awards held at Universal Studios on October 15, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Every generation has their comic stalwarts who drove a new wave of widely loved comedy. From Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean to Dan White’s Larry the Cable Guy, we have enjoyed the comedic relief that their characters have provided us. But as time flies, the same fans are often met with the sad news of their favorite character passing away. And this time, it was the iconic Pee-Wee Herman played by American comedian Paul Reubens. Reubens, who started his career in the 70s, dwelled in improvisational comedy and stage acting. He soon embraced the fictional character as a whole, starring in several Pee-Wee specials.
In a touching tribute, Netflix posted a clip from an interaction between Phil Rosenthal and Reubens. Rosenthal said, “Pee-Wee is one of the greatest inventions in the history of comedy. I just wanted to say that while we have you.” He was visibly an ardent fan of the character, expressing his love to Reubens while he battling cancer. In the special remembrance video from 2022, the American actor paid a special tribute to Rosenthal’s father, Max.
“Pee-Wee is one of the greatest inventions in the history of comedy. I just wanted to say that while we have you.”
Phil Rosenthal saying this to Paul Reubens in 2022 feels especially poignant today. pic.twitter.com/EnEH6fUfUH
— Netflix (@netflix) July 31, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Herman came live on screen in the 80s, getting his own HBO special after the character hit fame. Starring in Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Reubens’ fictional character won him an Emmy too. Netflix even released a special in 2016, titled Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday. It is about Pee-Wee’s first-ever holiday trip to New York to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
And as the fans remembered this actor, they shared their heartfelt memories of enjoying this comic character on screen.
Netizens remember all the laughter and fun
The netizens on Twitter came together to give their condolences, remembering all the legendary lines of Pee-Wee. They rightly expressed their love, trying to capture the magic of the enigmatic comedian. Several friends and family remembered spending time with him, and all the happy memories that followed it.
One of the patron saints of all misfitted, weird, maladjusted, wonderful, miraculous oddities. https://t.co/4TJAObpO2M
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 31, 2023
Another friend remembered the time back in college because of how beautifully their friendship transpired into something so serene.
Paul and I first met in 1973 at Cal Arts. We remained friends for the next 50 years. Not day to day. Just the kind of friend that you can text out of nowhere or have a 3 hour lunch with. And don't get me started on the birthday texts-he sent them ALL DAY. I feel sick. pic.twitter.com/GEX9oXuiG1
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) July 31, 2023
Recalling one of the scenes from his show, a fan shared a GIF.
— Love, Danny 🍂 (@DannyWxo) July 31, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another netizen thanked the actor for all the good times he gave them.
“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.”- Paul Reubens
We loved you right back, Paul… & can't thank you enough for the lifetime of laughter!#RIP pic.twitter.com/u7Ycx0SbTw— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 31, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you love Paul Reubens’ fantastic portrayal of the Pee-Wee that we all grew to love? Comment below and share your thoughts.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT