The 1980s kids beloved Pee-Wee actor Paul Reubens dies at 70

Kelly Taylor

Paul Reubens, an actor best known for playing Pee-wee Herman on children's television in the 1980s, passed away on Monday, according to his management.

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Paul Reubens’ death

In 1981, HBO recorded and aired a performance of the Los Angeles stage production in which Pee-wee participated that was produced by Reubens.

HBO’s Pee-wee

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That ultimately resulted in Tim Burton's 1985 feature film debut, "Pee-Big Wee's Adventure," which served as Reubens' big break.

Debut film

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The film, which was only a minor box office success, featured Pee-absurd Wee's comic quest to locate his stolen bicycle and quickly became a cult favorite.

Box office success

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Pee-Playhouse, a Saturday morning CBS program, was given to Reubens as a result of the popularity of "Pee-Great Wee's Adventure."

Pee-Playhouse

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Reubens' ascent to stardom was, however, put on hold in 1991 when he entered a no contest plea to indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida.

Ascent stardom

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In 2004, Reubens was given a three-year probationary period after pleading guilty to a felony obscene charge involving images of young people having sex that were taken from him.

Reubens’ felony

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Reubens' cancer diagnosis has not been made public in the past. He was 70 when he passed away.

Reubens diagnosed with cancer

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A personal message from the actor, outlining his reasons for concealing his physical condition, was included in the declaration of his passing.

Announcement of passing away

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“I apologize for keeping my struggles from the world for the past six years,” said Reubens, and he said he is grateful to all his fans.

Reubens message

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