Jack White dedicates eulogy to ‘Pee-wee Herman’ actor Paul Reubens

Jack White is paying tribute to "good friend" Paul Reuben.

Following the actor and comedian's passing last week, Jack White has given a heartfelt remembrance of his "good friend" Paul Reubens.

Reubens passed away on Sunday, July 30, after a battle with cancer that was kept hidden. Reubens was most known for playing Pee-wee Herman on the big screen and on television. He was in his 70s.

US television show Jimmy Kimmel, performer Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll), and director Tim Burton, who directed Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), were among those to express their tributes online.

White shared a picture of Reubens from the music video for The Raconteurs' 2006 single "Steady, As She Goes" on Instagram yesterday (July 31). When the late performer appeared in the clip, the soloist and former frontman of the White Stripes got to know him.

White made a cameo appearance in a radio reunion program for Pee-wee's Playhouse in 2021. Elinor Blake, who worked as an animator on Pee-wee's Playhouse, contributed illustrations to his 2017 children's book We're Going To Be Friends.

"The great Paul Reubens has moved on to a better place," White began his message. "Creator of the genius character Pee Wee Herman, and an actor and comedian of incredible talent, Paul was a good friend to me and reached out any time he felt I was in need."

The musician added to describe Reubens as "a generous soul who never forgot a birthday or Christmas card for those he loved”, adding: “He had incredible taste in music and was very funny in everyday life."

White continued, "I first got to witness his gift while filming a video for the Raconteurs together, and we became friends instantly. I was just thinking about you last night Paul, peace be with you."