Hollywood is mourning a brilliant performer.
On July 31, it was announced that comedic actor Paul Reubens—who was best known for his beloved Pee-wee Herman character—had died at age 70. Reubens’ July 30 death was confirmed to Parade by his representative, but an announcement on the Pee-wee Herman Instagram account also shared, “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. 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.”
In the wake of this sad news, many of Hollywood’s brightest stars have since paid tribute to Reubens on social media.
Jimmy Kimmel, who had the Pee-wee’s Big Adventure star on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, wrote on Twitter, “Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
Director Judd Apatow took to Instagram to address the “devastating news,” writing, “We got to spend many years working with Paul on Pee Wee’s Big Holiday and got to see his genius and kindness up close. He made the world so happy! Some of the biggest laughs I have every experienced was watching him perform live. He is irreplaceable.”
Oscar winner Marisa Tomei shared her grief by writing in the comments, “No no no. Oh heart break.”
Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen also chimed in with, “The greatest. No one ever like him ever.”
Conan O’Brien applauded Reubens for his “surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness.” He continued, “No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens.”
He signed off his message with a simple: “Damn, this hurts.”
For more heartwarming tributes, keep reading:
Paul Reubens, known and beloved as Pee Wee Herman, has died. A completely original actor and friend; I mourn his loss. This is so hard to believe.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) July 31, 2023
This is devastating. Truly heartbreaking. Paul was such a comedy genius. From his Letterman appearances to his TV shows and movies, he was so original and hilarious. And such a sweet man too. This is a huge loss for comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Paul. https://t.co/l76VIXHl50
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 31, 2023
Paul Reubens was a great friend. He gave me the muppets for my birthday and never forgot anyone’s birthday from our class. He was in my class at CalArts and we had the same business manager. He was always kind to me and to everyone. He will be missed. #paulreubens #peeweeherman pic.twitter.com/CmJJGLRE7e
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) July 31, 2023
Rip Paul Reubens. You always made me laugh. pic.twitter.com/BNoXcClSZG
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) July 31, 2023
Love you so much, Paul. One in all time. Thank you for my career & your forever friendship all these years & for teaching us what a true original is. ♥️♥️💔 #PaulReubens #PeeWeeHerman ♥️ pic.twitter.com/GMcBaEgWix
— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) July 31, 2023
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