Paul Reubens, Known for Beloved Pee-wee Herman Character, Dead at 70

Paul Reubens, the revered comedian/actor/writer behind the beloved Pee-wee Herman character, has died. The Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure star was 70.

Per a statement released on Monday by his estate, Reubens had been battling cancer for the past six years.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a posthumously released statement. “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.”

The statement also pointed those with the means to do so to consider donating to Stand Up to Cancer and/or to organizations involved with the furthering of dementia and Alzheimer’s research.