American actor, comedian, producer, and writer Paul Reubens has passed away at the age of 70.
The news was shared by Paul’s family who revealed that the actor died on Sunday after a six-year battle with cancer. They also shared the entertainer’s final message in which he asked his fans for forgiveness for not opening up about his health battle before.
Following the announcement, celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel and Rosanna Arquette led tributes to the actor who was best known for portraying the eccentric and nerdy character Pee-wee Herman.
“Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Kimmel posted on Twitter.
“He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
“He was part of our family. We are devastated David [Arquette] was one of his closest friends. And he always showed up for us. He was a beautiful human being,” Arquette added.
Paying tribute to the late performer were also Cher, Kathy Griffin, Natasha Lyonn, and many more who remembered Paul as a “brilliant” actor and a “special” human being.
“Goodbye Paul Goodnight sweet prince May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” Cher wrote as she shared a quote from Hamlet.
“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,” Lyonn expressed.
Griffin wrote: “This is a still shot from one of them. You get the idea. I did not know he was ill.
The last time we spoke, I invited him to one of my dinner salons and he expressed that he did not want to come because he was worried about Covid. He came to my house after my Trump photo scandal and spend time with me calming me down.
“He and I shared a love for old timey celebrities and movie stars. We could chat for hours. He is the reason I joined the Groundlings. He was a complicated and gentle man. Almost too brilliant for one person.”
Griffin went on to call her friend a “true artist” as she suggested he had always put his work first while making sure he was “thoughtful” towards others.
“He had that thing where you feel special just having a conversation with him. He was so bright. He will be soooo missed. I know you guys get it,” her tribute concluded.
Our thoughts are with Paul’s loved ones.
What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends. For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook!