Several celebrities came forward Monday with touching tributes for Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reuben, who died at the age of 70.
“Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” posted Jimmy Kimmel. “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 devastating. Truly heartbreaking,” said film director Paul Feig. “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,” continued Feig.
Carl Weathers, who stars in the hit Disney Plus show “The Mandalorian,” also posted his condolences, writing that the comedy legend was “one of the nice guys.”
“No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens,” grieved Conan O’Brien. “Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts.”
Actor Steve Martin said that “Pee Wee got his wish to fly” adding his thanks to Reubens “for the brilliant off-the-wall comedy.”
Ed Solomon, who worked with Reubens on the TV film “Mosaic” called the late actor “one of the kindest souls I’ve known.”
“Paul Reubens was a great friend,” reminisced David Hasselhoff. “He gave me the muppets for my birthday and never forgot anyone’s birthday from our class. He was in my class at CalArts and we had the same business manager. He was always kind to me and to everyone. He will be missed.”
“Goodbye Paul Goodnight sweet prince May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Hamlet William Shakespeare,” Cher wrote.
Several other fans posted that Reubens brought great joy to their childhood through his portrayal of Pee-wee Herman.
An official statement announcing his death was posted on the late actor’s Instagram on Monday.
“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,” read the statement.
According to the post, Reubens died after a six-year battle with cancer.
“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.”
In addition, the post included a posthumous statement from Reubens himself.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years, said the comedy legend. “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.”
Reubens began his career in the1970s when he joined the Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles.
In 1986, Reubens gained national attention when he starred in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” which ran until 1990.
Reubens has since returned to the role of Herman in 2010 when he brought the character to Broadway in “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which was filmed for HBO and later won an Emmy Award.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” also returned to the character for a 2016 Netflix special “Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday.”
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