Paul Reubens dead: Pee-wee Herman actor & comedian was 70

Pee-wee Herman star Paul Reubens has passed away at the age of 70.

The late actor’s reps confirmed the news in a statement to The Post on Monday, saying, "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."

As per the statement, Reubens had been privately battling cancer for years before succumbing to it. "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," they added.

The official Instagram account of Pee-wee Herman also added a direct quote from the late actor, in which he apologized to his fans for not going public with his cancer diagnosis.

"I have felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you," he wrote, according to the post.

It also instructed that the comedian wanted "any expressions of sympathy" in honour of him, his late parents, and Judy and Milton Rubenfeld to be made to "Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support and research."

Reubens was born in Peekskill, New York in 1952 and raised in Sarasota, Florida. The multi-hyphenate star pursued art in various forms from a young age and left a legacy of a lifetime.