One of the most unique and subversive figures in popular culture during the 1980s was Pee-wee Herman, a character created and portrayed by actor Paul Reubens. Sadly, Reubens passed away at the age of 70 from cancer. Pee-wee Herman gained international recognition with the release of the film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 1985, which was directed by Tim Burton. The film drew on the nostalgia of the 50s and early 60s, combining elements of children’s shows like Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo with a touch of kinkiness and innuendo.
In the film, Pee-wee goes on a journey across the US to find his stolen bike, encountering bizarre characters and engaging in surreal adventures along the way. Despite Pee-wee’s nasal voice and eccentric mannerisms, Reubens played the character with complete seriousness, which contributed to its success. Pee-wee’s popularity grew with the children’s TV show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” (1986-90), which further pushed the boundaries of surrealism and included moments of LGBTQ+ representation and nonconformity.
Reubens faced challenges in his career, including a lackluster film sequel, “Big Top Pee-wee” (1988), and two scandals involving personal conduct. In 1991, he was arrested for masturbating in an adult cinema, and in 2002, he faced charges related to possession of obscene material. Despite these setbacks, Pee-wee’s periodic returns were always met with affection. Reubens worked on revivals of “The Pee-wee Herman Show” and the Netflix film “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” to restore the character’s reputation.
Outside of Pee-wee, Reubens had various roles in film and television, including cameos in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” and the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” film. He also appeared in family comedies like “Dunston Checks In” and “Matilda,” as well as the comedy “Mystery Men” and the crime drama “Blow.” In recent years, Reubens focused on animation voice-work and guest spots on sitcoms.
Despite the ups and downs, Reubens held a strong commitment to playing Pee-wee and creating a character that appealed to both children and adults. His legacy as Pee-wee Herman will be remembered for its unique blend of innocence, campiness, and progressive themes. Reubens is survived by his sister Abby and brother Luke.
