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Paul Reubens

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Paul Reubens BIO

Reubens was an American actor and comedian, widely known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman.

Reubens joined the Los Angeles troupe the Groundlings in the 1970s, and started his career as an improvisational comedian and stage actor. It was with the Groundlings that Reubens developed the Pee-wee character. After a failed audition for Saturday Night Live, Reubens debuted a stage show starring Pee-wee, The Pee-wee Herman Show, in 1981. Pee-wee became an instant cult figure and, for the next decade, Reubens was completely committed to his character, doing all of his public appearances and interviews as Pee-wee. He produced and wrote a feature film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), directed by Tim Burton, which was a financial and critical success. Its sequel, Big Top Pee-wee (1988), was less successful. Between 1986 and 1990, Reubens starred as Pee-wee in the CBS Saturday-morning children's program Pee-wee's Playhouse.

Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater in Sarasota, Florida in 1991. The arrest set off a chain reaction of national media attention, though he received support from people in the entertainment industry. The arrest postponed Reubens's involvement in major projects until 1999, when he appeared in several big-budget projects including Mystery Men (1999) and Blow (2001). Reubens subsequently started giving interviews as himself rather than as Pee-wee.

Reubens acted in numerous shows such as Murphy Brown, 30 Rock, Portlandia, and The Blacklist. He revived The Pee-wee Herman Show, which he performed in Los Angeles and on Broadway, in 2010. He co-wrote and starred in the Netflix original film Pee-wee's Big Holiday, reprising his role as Pee-wee Herman, in 2016.

Reubens's Pee-wee character maintained an enduring popularity with both children and adults. Playhouse garnered 15 Emmy Awards during its initial run, and was aired again on late-night television in the 2000s, during which TV Guide dubbed it among the top ten cult classic television programs. Reubens died in July 2023 from cancer.

Paul Reubens Photos

Paul Reubens STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Pee-wee Herman

Writing

Playwright
Conceiver
Creator

Paul Reubens Videos

Paul Reubens News


Interview: Groundlings Alumni Katierose Donohue Enriquez Is The QUEEN OF FISHTOWN


Katierose Donohue Enriquez's multi-award-winning Queen of Fishtown returns to Los Angeles for three nights at The Groundlings beginning April 12, 2024. Corey Podell directs Katierose in her love letter to Philly.

Middletown Arts Center Announces February Movies At The MAC


Join us at the Middletown Arts Center this February for a lineup of classic movies including Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Grease, and Gimme Shelter. Don't miss out on these cinematic favorites!

Soho Theatre & Stuart Ross Management Present PUDDLES PITY PARTY


Puddles Pity Party, the seven-foot sad clown with a golden voice, returns to Soho Theatre this spring for one week only.

Comedians With Disabilities Act to Make Debut At SF Sketchfest At The Alameda Comedy Club


The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) makes its debut at SF Sketchfest at the Alameda Comedy Club. This comedy troupe, founded by the late comedian Michael O'Connell, features talented comedians with disabilities sharing their unique perspectives.

SF Sketchfest Unveils Lineup for 2024 Comedy Festival Featuring More Than 200 Shows


SF Sketchfest has revealed the initial lineup for the 2024 Comedy Festival in San Francisco. Tickets go on sale on November 19.

Review: Michael Cerveris Shines in THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT: A BENEFIT at Barebones Productions


Broadway's most complicated leading man is a fascinating match for one of the most iconic film musical roles of all time.

Meet the Cast of I NEED THAT, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!


Danny DeVito returns to Roundabout Theatre Company in I Need That, starring alongside his daughter, Lucy DeVito, and Ray Anthony Thomas. The production begins previews tonight, October 13. Meet the cast of I Need That here!

Nickelback, Sho Madjozi & More to Perform at TIFF'S Festival Street


Back for its eighth year, the excitement of the Toronto International Film Festival will pour out from the theatres onto Festival Street and David Pecaut Square. King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will transform into an open-air experience accessible by the general public. 

PUDDLES PITY PARTY Comes To The District, November 7


Puddles Pity Party is coming to The District on Tuesday, November 7. Tickets start at $30.50 plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, August 4, at 10 a.m.

Wake Up With BWW 8/1: DeVito-Led I NEED THAT Sets Dates, MOULIN ROUGE! Recoups, and More!


Top stories: Roundabout's I Need That starring Danny DeVito has set its dates and creative team, Moulin Rouge! the Musical has recouped on Broadway, in the UK, and in Australia, and more!

Paul Reubens, Known For Playing Pee-Wee Herman, Dies at 70


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paul Reubens, known for his character of Pee-Wee Herman, has died at the age of 70. In 2010, Reubens brought The Pee-Wee Herman Show to Broadway production for a limited run at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. It was recorded for an HBO special and released in 2011.

Jenifer Lewis, RuPaul, Lily Tomlin & More to Celebrate the Legacy of Allee Willis at NIGHT OF WONDERS


Allee Willis will be celebrated on September 21, 2022 at the inaugural one-of-a-kind Willis Wonderland Foundation “Night of Wonders.” The event will launch the newly formed 501(3)c, which supports the education and advancement of songwriters and multimedia artists, notably those in underserved communities.

PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON and PUDDLES PITY PARTY Come to Patchogue Theatre This Month


Award-winning comedic magician, Piff the Magic Dragon has teamed up with world-renowned golden-voiced clown, Puddles Pity Party, for their Misery Loves Company Tour, which will visit Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (PTPA) on Sunday, May 22 at 7:00PM. Lobby and bar concessions open at 6pm.

Piff And Puddles to Make Misery at Mayo Performing Arts Center


Award-winning comedic magician, Piff the Magic Dragon has teamed up with world-renowned golden-voiced clown, Puddles Pity Party, for their Misery Loves Company Tour, coming to Mayo Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 pm.

GROUNDLINGS OF '69 Improv Comedy Show to Open This Month


 The Groundlings Theatre introduces a brand-new groovy sketch show from the Groundlings Main company, “Groundlings of ’69.” Previews begin on April 2nd as part of a new, two show night weekend schedule for the Theatre. Opening night is April 29th.  Directed by Lisa Schurga (Clipped) this sketch comedy show features appearances from Main Company members Josh Duvendeck (Parks and Recreation), Allison Dunbar (The Sopranos), Ryan Gaul (The Last O.G.), Patty Guggenheim (Florida Girls), Chris Kleckner, Laird Macintosh, Jessica Pohly, Emily Pendergast (VEEP), Annie Sertich (Sillicon Valley), and Greg Worswick. 

PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON And PUDDLES PITY PARTY Embark On Their Misery Loves Company Tour


On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, join The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory of the Performing Arts for an evening of comedy, music, magic and more with The Piff and Puddles Misery Loves Company Tour. 

PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON & PUDDLES PITY PARTY To Play The VETS In Providence


Award-winning comedic magician, Piff the Magic Dragon has teamed up with world-renowned golden-voiced clown, Puddles Pity Party, for their Misery Loves Company Tour, which will stop at The VETS in Providence September 29. Tickets are on sale today at TheVetsRI.com.

SF Sketchfest Announces Postponement of 2022 Festival


SF Sketchfest, co-founded and directed by David Owen, Cole Stratton and Janet Varney, the longest-running comedy festival in the U.S. The event mixes major comedy stars and up-and-coming comedians from around the world for sketch, stand-up, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, live podcasts, workshops, and panel discussions.

Everything We Know About the MATILDA Movie Musical


BroadwayWorld put together a guide to MATILDA on screen. Get the scoop on the upcoming film including when to see it on TV, how to stream, who is in the cast and more!

Theater Stories: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, MRS. DOUBTFIRE & More About the Stephen Sondheim Theatre!


Today's Theater Stories features the Stephen Sondheim Theatre! Learn about the theatre's longest-running show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the show currently inhabiting the theatre, Mrs. Doubtfire, and more!

Paul Reubens FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Paul Reubens been in?

Paul Reubens has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Paul Reubens been in?

Paul Reubens has not appeared in the West End.

How many shows has Paul Reubens written?

Paul Reubens has written 1 shows including The Pee-wee Herman Show (Playwright).

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