Sarasota native Paul Reubens, best known for his Pee-wee Herman character, dead at 70

Sarasota native Paul Reubens, an actor-comedian who is best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, died at the age of 70 after a private bout with cancer, according to his social media accounts.

“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,” Reubens’ Instagram said.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” the post continued. “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 the post, an image of Reubens is shown with a “Pee-wee Herman” doll and a quote image attributed to him.

It reads: “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.”

Reubens, a graduate of Sarasota High School, began his career in the 1970s in Los Angeles as part of the live comedy troupe, the Groundlings, according to Variety.

In 1980, he starred in “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” By 1985, the character was featured on the big screen in Tim Burton’s film, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”

A sequel, “Big Top Pee-wee,” arrived in 1988. Meanwhile, the children’s TV show, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” ran 45 episodes from 1986-1990.

His career was sidetracked in 1991 when he was arrested for exposing himself at an adult theater in Sarasota. At the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards, he was on stage in his Pee-wee Herman character and addressed the arrest with the crowd by saying, “Heard any good jokes lately?”

Reubens pleaded no contest, was fined and sentenced to community service, according to multiple reports at the time. The children’s TV show was canceled, too.

Later, he appeared in various films such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Mystery Men” and “Blow” to name a few. In total, Reubens has 121 acting credits on IMDB.com as well as 11 writing credits and three directing credits for his role as Pee-wee Herman.

People Magazine reported in 2004 that the actor pleaded guilty to an obscenity charge related to a settlement in a child pornography case.

”He was fined $100, received three years’ probation and agreed to be registered as a sex offender,” People and the Associated Press reported.