Hollywood Pays Tribute to the Late Paul Reubens
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One of the most recognizable, versatile, and hilarious performers of our generation passed away this week and the loss is being felt all over the world. Paul Reubens, best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, lost a battle with cancer this week at the age of 70 and his friends in Hollywood have been paying tribute on social media.
Reubens left behind a legacy and body of work so massive you truly almost forget about it. Sure, we all remember Pee-wee’s Playhouse. But remember Flight of the Navigator? What about Batman Returns? You probably remember him in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but what about his voice in Family Guy or Robot Chicken? And there’s so, so much more.
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Reubens’ career touched almost everyone in entertainment. Below, you can see how some of his biggest fans and closest friends paid tribute.
Love you so much, Paul. One in all time. Thank you for my career & your forever friendship all these years & for teaching us what a true original is. ♥️♥️💔 #PaulReubens #PeeWeeHerman ♥️ pic.twitter.com/GMcBaEgWix
— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) July 31, 2023
“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 Reubens
We loved you right back, Paul... & can't thank you enough for the lifetime of laughter!#RIP pic.twitter.com/u7Ycx0SbTw— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 31, 2023
Rest in peace to Paul Reubens, best known for Pee-wee, and the voice of Reuben from Chowder. Our childhood thanks you for all the joy and laughter ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cvPtBJX0ZI
— Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) July 31, 2023
Pee Wee got his wish to fly.
Thanks Paul Reubens for the brilliant off the wall comedy.
Our boy Pee Wee...#peewee #paulreubens pic.twitter.com/N5t8orXLD1— Steve Martin (@UnrealBluegrass) July 31, 2023
No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens. 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.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) July 31, 2023
We absolutely loved Paul Reubens! Whether he was delighting audiences as the iconic Pee-wee Herman or being given the “Honorary Muppet Award” in Muppet Magazine in 1987, he brought a burst of joy, creativity, and laughter everywhere he went. pic.twitter.com/eMMNWg7QeY
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) July 31, 2023
Paul Reubens was like no one else - a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 31, 2023
Paul Reubens was my friend for almost 3 decades. I am in disbelief that he is gone. Beyond grateful for all the memories and the countless laughs. 💔💔💔#rippaulreubens #PeeWeeHerman pic.twitter.com/VVrsAz3n01
— Ricki Lake (@RickiLake) July 31, 2023
Visitors have asked daily about the basement at the Alamo thanks to the 1985 movie “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” We're grateful for Paul Reubens' unforgettable contribution to pop culture. There is no basement in the Alamo Church, but there is one under our gift shop! Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/nXeph9SnoF
— The Alamo (@OfficialAlamo) July 31, 2023
Devastated to learn of the passing of my friend Paul Reubens. He was a incredibly humorous, kind & generous soul who was modest about his remarkable talent. I will cherish our friendship forever. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends. Rest In Peace, Paul 😢🙏💜 pic.twitter.com/drpTSdttaL
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) July 31, 2023
While we were only a small part of his universe, Paul Reubens made a lasting impact on ours. We celebrate the legacy of an icon and character actor of infinite imagination. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Gh2nkEsV8K
— DC (@DCOfficial) July 31, 2023
Rip Paul Reubens. You always made me laugh. pic.twitter.com/BNoXcClSZG
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) July 31, 2023
Paul Reubens was one of the most unique and uniquely gifted people I have known. My times in his company were a delight. Stories, ideas, opinions, life experience - so much to share. He brought joy. Your talents were many&wonderful. And Pee Wee was a delight.#RIP PaulReubens
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2023
Aw man… Pee-wee Herman has ridden off to heaven. RIP Paul Reubens. Thank you for giving us Pee-wee. You made yours truly a fan and you were one of the nice guys. #BePeace
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) July 31, 2023
Very sad to hear about the passing of the inimitable Paul Reubens. A lovely, kind man who I met years ago & who's comedy was much beloved both by @rodeneronquillo & myself, and by my dad & sister. Thank you for existing, PeeWee.
You helped make the world FUN! pic.twitter.com/L1j0f4J9Am— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) July 31, 2023
Paul Reubens – Our Captain, our DJ, our Rex. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/0Io2Tpr59O
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 31, 2023
As previously reported, the news was broken on Reubens’ social media channels with the following message: “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. 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.”
Reubens himself left this message behind: “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.”
And we loved it too, Paul. Thank you.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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