00:00 Hollywood is mourning the loss of a beloved comedy icon.
00:03 Paul Rubens, best known for his work as TV and movie alter ego Pee Wee Herman, has died.
00:09 He was 70 years old.
00:11 The actor's Instagram page announced the sad news on Monday
00:14 and revealed he had been battling cancer for the last six years.
00:17 Last night, we said farewell to Paul Rubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer,
00:23 and producer whose beloved character Pee Wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults
00:28 with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness.
00:31 Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,
00:37 a gifted and prolific talent he will forever live on in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a
00:42 treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit, the caption read.
00:47 The post also included a personal quote from Rubens himself
00:51 in which he addressed fans who weren't aware of his health issues, saying,
00:55 "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years.
01:00 I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect for my friends, fans, and supporters.
01:04 I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."
01:07 The post concluded with a request for any condolences to be made in honor of Rubens'
01:11 late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, stand-up to cancer, or other organizations
01:16 that benefit dementia and Alzheimer's research.
01:18 Rubens starred as Pee Wee in classic 80s movies including Pee Wee's Big Adventure,
01:23 directed by Tim Burton, and the legendary children's program Pee Wee's Playhouse,
01:27 which aired from 1986 to 1990.
01:29 He also appeared alongside Johnny Depp in 2002's Blow and as Penguin's father in Fox's
01:35 Batman prequel series Gotham.
01:38 Hollywood took to social media to remember Rubens' legacy as a cherished comedian and artist.
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