Remembering the Legacy: Reflecting on the Life and Artistry of Paul Reubens

“… But what am I?” Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens dies at 70

Glen Weldon

Updated July 31, 2023 4:09 PM ET

Originally published July 31, 2023 2:14 PM ET

Paul Reubens, the creator and actor behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70. Reubens’ portrayal of Pee-wee Herman was a remarkable blend of petulance and joyous anarchy, pushing the boundaries of mainstream comedy and challenging societal norms.

Reubens’ character, Pee-wee Herman, was a complex and multifaceted creation. At first glance, he may have seemed like a petulant man-child, but there was more to him than meets the eye. Pee-wee was a trickster spirit, a burst of joyous id that brought his brand of anarchy to the forefront of popular culture.

When Pee-wee posed the question, “What am I?” he was not only questioning his own identity but also challenging societal expectations. Reubens created Pee-wee as a real person rather than just a character, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This unconventional approach left audiences unsure of how to interpret Pee-wee and added to the intrigue surrounding the character.

Theater Pee-Wee Herman Is A Loner, A Rebel — And Back

Reubens’ creation, Pee-wee Herman, first gained attention with “The Pee-wee Herman Show” at The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. The show was a midnight sensation, attracting a hipster crowd with its mix of puppets, parody, and archival educational films. This unique blend of entertainment later became the fuel for Reubens’ successful CBS Saturday morning show, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”

However, Pee-wee was more than just a boy who refused to grow up. He represented an adult’s nostalgia for the carefree days of childhood, capturing the aspects of youth that society often tries to ignore. Pee-wee embodied the narcissism, selfishness, and lack of empathy that can be found in every child. His antics, such as obsessively searching for his stolen bike or encouraging his viewers to scream loudly, showcased these darker aspects of childhood in a playful and entertaining way.

The Artistic Legacy of Pee-wee Herman

Reubens faced personal and legal challenges throughout his career, including an incident of indecent exposure in a movie theater and possession of obscene material. These controversies overshadowed the deeper impact of his artistic legacy. Reubens had a remarkable ability to transport audiences back to their own childhoods, reminding them of the pure joy and simplicity of being a child.

Watching Pee-wee was like experiencing childhood again, distilled to its essence. Pee-wee was impulsive, anarchic, and driven by his id. His unbounded silliness and lack of inhibition marked a stark contrast to the more restrained humor of David Letterman, with whom Reubens frequently appeared on Late Night. The dynamic between the two comedians showcased Reubens’ ability to take complete control of the experience and Letterman’s willingness to surrender to the chaos, resulting in unforgettable and laughter-filled interviews.

Reubens’ legacy extends beyond his onscreen persona as Pee-wee Herman. One of his overlooked talents was his ability to introduce a subversive and queer sensibility into mainstream entertainment. This was evident in the “Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special,” which featured unexpected guest stars like Grace Jones, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and KD Lang. Reubens dared to inject a sense of otherness and weirdness into the primetime airwaves of Reagan’s America, challenging societal norms through his unique artistic vision.

As we reflect on Paul Reubens’ passing, let us remember his contributions not only as the creator of Pee-wee Herman but also as an artist who bravely pushed boundaries. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, subversion, and unapologetic self-expression.

Jennifer Vanasco contributed to earlier versions of this story.