Pee-wee Herman Actor Paul Reubens Passes Away at Age 70 Transcript

This morning remembering Paul Reubens the actor known for his role as Pee-wee Herman. He died after a private battle with cancer. Eva Pilgrim has the story. Good morning, Eva.

Good morning, George. Reubens had been fighting cancer for the last six years. In a statement made public after his death, he apologized for not sharing his diagnosis, writing, “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.” From his signature dance moves to that immediately recognizable, high-pitched laugh and his infectious trademark catchphrases-

Why don’t you take a picture? It’ll last longer.

And of course-

I know you are, but what am I? I know you are, but what am I? I know you are, but what am I? I know you are, but what am I? I know you are, but what am I infinity?

Paul Reubens better known as Pee-wee Herman charmed a generation with his offbeat absurdist comic style.

I meant to do that.

Reubens and Saturday Night Live legend, Phil Hartman, together developed Pee-wee while working in the famed improv group, the Groundlings during the late 1970s.

Please don’t, Pee-wee. I got to use your latrine.

Latrine, that’s a bad word!

After the character became a hit comic act, selling out live shows and inspiring an HBO Special, Warner Brothers offered a movie deal. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Tim Burton’s directorial debut, was a major hit leading to the launch of a children’s show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

However, the success of Pee-wee tarnished when Reubens was arrested in 1991 for indecent exposure in an adult theater. He pleaded no contest, but the scandal becoming non-stop fodder for tabloids and late night hosts. Reubens breaking his silence amid the uproar at the opening of the VMAs that year-

Heard any good jokes lately?

The scandal marked the end of his children’s show, but he continued to work in small roles from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer to Batman Returns, and a surprising dramatic turn in the Johnny Depp thriller, Blow.

It’s going to take us longer to count it than it did to sell it.

But the comedian was still shadowed by controversy, pleading guilty in 2002 to a misdemeanor obscenity charge. Weathering another storm, Reubens eventually revived his famous character, Pee-wee, in several different projects.

You know I don’t want to go anywhere or try anything new.

Comedians taken to social media to remember their friend. Jimmy Kimmel tweeting, “A brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Martha Quinn, “Thank you for the joy you brought to me and the world,” and Tim Burton posting, “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.” And a common thread among those who knew him, he always remembered birthdays and made a point to celebrate his friends on their special day. Paul Reubens was 70 years old. Guys?

And I had a chance to know him.

Yeah.

And never forgot a birthday, never forgot a holiday, and would send you the most random funny jokes just out of the blue. I mean, just an amazing human being. All right, thank you so much for that, Eva.