US actor Paul Reubens has sadly died at the age of 70 after a secret battle with cancer.
Taking to Instagram on Monday (July 31), a statement from his estate read: “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.”
The statement confirmed his cancer diagnosis, adding: “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
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“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.”
The statement included a quote from Reubens himself that was intended to be shared with fans after his passing.
(Image: Warner Bros/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
His family posted a statement that read “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 my friends, fans and supporters.
“I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Paul rose to fame for inventing the iconic Pee-Wee Herman with the late Phil Hartman and it soon became a global hit.
The Pee-Wee Herman show ran for five sold-out months and then HBO produced a successful special about it.
The star was entirely committed to his role and soon began doing all of his public appearances and interviews as Pee-Wee.
(Image: Pee Wee/Binder/Rb Prods/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
This led to a s hit TV series Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, which ran from 1986 to 1991, along with the 1988 movie Big-Top Pee-Wee.
More recently the star resurrected his character in the 2016 Netflix movie Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday.
Tributes to the beloved actor have poured in on social media.
One fan said: “I’m absolutely gutted. PeeWee Herman showed me it was okay to be weird. He got me through my childhood. Rest in peace, Paul Reubens.”
(Image: Warner Bros/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Another penned: “Rest In Peace Paul Reubens. Thank you for the laughs and trending suit.”
Whilst a third wrote: “I have all of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure memorized. It’s one of the best things I know. I’ll always be grateful for Paul Reubens’ sweet weirdness/weird sweetness.”
A fourth person tweeted: “I’m saddened by the news that actor Paul Reubens, a.k.a. @peeweeherman has died of cancer at age of 70. My sincerest condolences go out to his family at this time.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
