Paul Reubens, best known for playingPee-wee Herman, has died at age 70.
Reubens' rep confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, revealing that the actor had cancer for years before he died.
“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,” read the statement.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” it 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.”
The news was also confirmed on Reubens’official Instagram page.
Reubens created his iconic Pee-wee Herman character when he was a member of the famed Los Angeles improv troupe The Groundlings, which was also an early home to stars includingKristin Wiig,Lisa Kudrow,Maya RudolphandKathy Griffin.The Pee-wee Herman Showpremiered at The Groundlings Theatre in 1981 and later moved to The Roxy on Sunset Strip before it landed an HBO broadcast, ultimately introducing the beloved character to a national audience.
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“If anyone would have told me I’d be doing this 30 years later, I would have laughed,” he toldColliderin 2015. “But now, I plan on doing it 30 years from now, when I’m 140.”
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Reuben was not without his controversies. He wasarrestedin 1991 in Sarasota, Florida, for indecent exposure. He had specifically been caught masturbating while watching a film at an adult movie theater, buthe pleaded no contest to the crimeand avoided receiving a charge on his record. He was still required to complete 75 hours of community service.
Nearly a decade later, Reubens wasarrested again in 2002after child pornography material was found within his home (he said the images were part of a vintage erotica collection). He turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department and was charged with a misdemeanor for the possession. Thecharges were droppedin 2004 after he pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge.
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A rep for Reubens, who received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1988, confirmed that he had penned the first draft of a memoir prior to his death. He had also put the finishing touches on two more Pee-wee movie scripts and was developing projects for television, including a variety show and a western calledFancypants.
source: people.com
