Unveiling the Untold Legacy of Paul Reubens: Hollywood's Heartfelt Tribute to Pee-wee Actor

Summary

Paul Reubens, creator of Pee-wee Herman, passed away, leaving a huge loss in comedy.

Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Tilly, Paul Feig, and Dane Cook took to social media to express their devastation and share their fond memories of Reubens. Reubens' ability to make life brighter and sillier for everyone was celebrated through numerous tributes.

Paul Reubens, the three-time Emmy nominee and creator of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has been honored by numerous Hollywood stars. Although Pee-wee Herman initially gained popularity onstage, he is most recognized for his appearances in movies like Pee-wee's Big Adventure and TV shows like Pee-wee's Playhouse. Tragically, Reubens' death due to cancer was announced on July 31.

Following Reubens' passing, many individuals who knew him, collaborated with him, or admired his career expressed their condolences on social media. This includes Jennifer Tilly, Conan O'Brien, Cher, and Tim Burton, the director of Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Take a look at some of their heartfelt reactions below:

Tim Burton praised Reubens as an exceptional artist on Instagram, acknowledging that his own career owes much to Reuben's unwavering support.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Tilly took to Twitter, expressing her appreciation for Reubens' ability to consistently bring laughter into her life.

Director Paul Feig described the news as "truly heartbreaking," calling Reubens a "comedy genius."

Reubens' Mystery Men co-star Dane Cook said he was "as great in real life as he was on screen."

Natasha Lyonne said Reubens was a "true original" and called him "one in all time."

Cher quoted Hamlet, saying "Good night sweet prince, May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

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Dave Foley said Pee-wee Herman "made life brighter and sillier for us all."

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Steve Martin thanked Reubens "for the brilliant off the wall comedy."

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Jimmy Kimmel celebrated Reubens as "a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time."

Ralph Garman said, simply, "f--k."

Brian Lynch said "we need more like him," calling Pee-wee "a completely original character."

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Conan O'Brien struggled to capture the "magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens" in a single tweet.

Mark Hamill said "we... can't thank you enough for the lifetime of laughter!"

Paul Reubens' Career Remembered

Reubens' undeniable influence over numerous notable figures in Hollywood and the comedy industry is evident through the abundance of tributes pouring in. This can be attributed in part to his constant presence and unwavering dedication. Throughout the years, he made unexpected appearances in a myriad of settings, often adopting his iconic persona as Pee-wee Herman. These included surprising ventures such as The Dating Game, WrestleMania, Sesame Street, and even Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.

Paul Reubens' exceptional talent extended beyond his own projects, as he actively collaborated with emerging creators. As Burton acknowledged in his tribute, Reubens played a pivotal role in the director's career, particularly with Pee-wee's Big Adventure marking his debut in the film industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Reubens also made appearances in early works by Tina Fey, Joss Whedon, and numerous others, including his portrayal of Silence of the Lambs' beloved poodle, Precious.

Reubens' versatile charm enabled him to connect with and leave an imprint on countless stars across various mediums. As the news spreads, we can anticipate an outpouring of tributes that will further illustrate the impact he made. Judging from the current tributes, those who had the privilege of knowing Reubens will undoubtedly continue to share anecdotes that highlight his wit, generosity, and compassion.

Source: Various (see above)