Pee-wee Herman, the beloved character created by actor/writer Paul Reubens, passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. Pee-wee was known for his petulant nature and mischievous antics, often incorporating schoolyard taunts into his casual conversations. Reubens, who initially attempted to convince the public that Pee-wee was a real person, created the character in 1977 while performing with The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. Pee-wee quickly became a sensation, captivating audiences with his fearless and unapologetic nature. Despite embodying qualities typically associated with sissies, Pee-wee confidently dominated the stage and dictated how his audience experienced him. His popularity grew, leading to the creation of the successful CBS Saturday morning show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Pee-wee was more than just a boy who never grew up; he represented the less desirable aspects of childhood, such as narcissism, selfishness, and a lack of empathy. Through Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special, Reubens brilliantly illustrated childhood in its purest form. Pee-wee was impulsive, anarchic, and driven by his id, characteristics that resonated with audiences. Reubens’ frequent appearances on Late Night with David Letterman only solidified his stardom, as Pee-wee’s wild and uninhibited nature contrasted with Letterman’s more restrained demeanor. Their comedic partnership was a memorable one. Reubens’ ability to captivate audiences was evident in his various projects, which included memorable moments like Large Marge and “Tequila!” Although Pee-wee will be remembered for his many iconic catchphrases, the true genius of Reubens’ talent lay in his ability to inject a subversive and queer sensibility into mainstream media. This was especially evident in the Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special, which featured a cast of unique and eccentric performers. The special injected a sense of defiance and queer representation into an era that often shunned such ideas. Regardless of his numerous accomplishments, Reubens’ most enduring image will be his mischievous delight as he rocked out in the background while Grace Jones performed on stage. Pee-wee Herman will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through his unique brand of weirdness and whimsy.
