On July 31, the world was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of actor Paul Reubens, most well-known for creating the character Pee-wee Herman. He was also beloved by Disney fans for portraying Captain R3X on the Star Tours attraction. He is currently the voice of DJ R3X at Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Reubens passed away after a six-year private battle with cancer. In his last message to fans, Reubens thanked them for their endless support and said he loved making comedy for them.
Not long after news of Reubens’ death was announced, Twitter was flooded with those remembering the talented actor. Among those was Elizabeth Daily, who starred alongside Reubens in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
Paul, the Pee Wee to my Dottie.
I am so grateful for getting to do this amazing ride with you.
Thoughtful, kind, brilliant and loved.
R.I.P
My sweet friend.
Love you xx EG /Dottie
Paul, the Pee Wee to my Dottie.
I am so grateful for getting to do this amazing ride with you.
Thoughtful, kind, brilliant and loved.
R.I.P
My sweet friend.
Love you xx EG /Dottie@peeweeherman pic.twitter.com/JpHztM6lTx— RealEGDaily (@RealEGDaily) July 31, 2023
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet also shared his sweet memories of Reubens.
Paul Ruebens would send 20 funny gifs to me on my birthday.
I know I was just one of the many people he made feel special on their birthday. I’m thankful I was one of them. This was his last bday message to me. I’ll keep it forever. Rest In Peace Paul. You were 1/1 ❤️
Paul Ruebens would send 20 funny gifs to me on my birthday.
I know I was just one of the many people he made feel special on their birthday. I’m thankful I was one of them. This was his last bday message to me. I’ll keep it forever. Rest In Peace Paul. You were 1/1 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/A1nNtYHbKv— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) July 31, 2023
Fans living and visiting Hollywood, California flocked to the Walk of Fame to put together a memorial for the actor. Reubens received the coveted star in 1988.
Flowers for Walk of Famer Paul Reubens/Pee-Wee Herman. Note the bow tie on the wreath. RIP🌹 #walkoffame #Peeweesplayhouse 📷
Flowers for Walk of Famer Paul Reubens/Pee-Wee Herman. Note the bow tie on the wreath. RIP🌹 #walkoffame #Peeweesplayhouse 📷 @Donnellywood56 pic.twitter.com/6UQDnfbZZd
— Ana Martinez (@wofstargirl) July 31, 2023
Throughout his storied career, Reubens took the character of Pee-wee Herman on a number of shows, including The Muppets. The show honored Reubens for the impact he had.
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.
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
Father of the Bride star, and fellow Saturday Night Live! alum Steve Martin fondly remembered the talented Reubens.
Pee Wee got his wish to fly. Thanks Paul Reubens for the brilliant off the wall comedy. Our boy Pee Wee…
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
Throughout his life, Reubens spoke about the creation of one of Hollywood’s most iconic characters. Reubens said that he wanted desperately to be a comic, but he always struggled to remember jokes. He always seemed to forget how the jokes were supposed to end. So, Pee-wee Herman was created, a man who loved to tell jokes, but could never remember how they were supposed to go.
Reubens, along with SNL alum Phil Hartman, created Pee-wee Herman during their time performing at Groundlings, an iconic improv and sketch comedy theater. At the time of his death, Reubens was working on two projects, a black comedy called The Pee-wee Herman Story, and a family-friendly comedy, Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Movie.
