Actor Paul Reubens arrives as a guest for Comedy Central television’s South Park The Tenth Season party in Los Angeles September 21, 2006.
Fred Prouser | Reuters
Actor Paul Reubens, who came to fame in the 1980s as children’s TV star Pee-wee Herman, has died years after a cancer diagnosis, his team said Monday.
He was 70.
“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,” according to a statement posted to his Facebook.
“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.”
More from NBC News:
The “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” actor’s rise to fame was halted in 1991 after he pleaded no contest to indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota Florida.
Then in 2004, Reubens was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor obscenity charge involving photographs of minors engaged in sexual conduct were seized from him.
Those brushes with the law dented but didn’t derail Reubens’ career.
He won critical acclaim for playing a a drug-dealing hairdresser in the 2001 movie “Blow,” playing alongside Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp.
His TV credits included appearances on “30 Rock,” “The Blacklist” and “Gotham.”
“Paul Reubens was like no one else — a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel said in a statement.
“He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source:CNBC
