Paul Reubens attends the AOL Build Speaker Series to discuss ‘Pee Wee’s Big Holiday’ at AOL Studios In New York on March 25, 2016.Photo:D Dipasupil/FilmMagic
D Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Paul Reubens’ cause of death has been revealed a little over a month after the actordied at age 70.
The late actor also had two forms of cancer at the time of his death. The primary type, which was listed as a sequential underlying cause, was determined to be acute myelogenous leukemia.
Acute myelogenous leukemia is “a cancer of the blood and bone marrow,” according to theMayo Clinic.
Reubens had also been diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer — a cancer which “spreads to the other lung or spreads to other parts of your body,” perWebMD— in the months before his death.
The Blastwas first to report the news.
Rubens, who was best known for playing his beloved characterPee-wee Herman,diedon July 30 at the age of 70 after keepinghis cancer diagnosis privatefor years.
“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,” his rep told PEOPLE in a statement at the time.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” the statement continued. “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.”
Reubens alsoapologized to his fansfor not going public withthe diagnosisin a poignant statement issued after he died.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” wrote the comedian. “I have always 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.”
Paul Reubens' apology issued after his death on July 31, 2023.peeweeherman/Instagram
peeweeherman/Instagram
Reubens debuted Pee-wee Herman at The Groundlings Theatre in 1981 before landing a spot on HBO’s broadcast and went on to play the character on the big screen in 1985’sPee-wee’s Big Adventureand the 1988 sequelBig Top Pee-wee.
On the small screen,Pee-wee’s Playhouseran on CBS for five seasons from 1986 to 1990. The show went on to earn 22 Emmy Awards, and Reubens was personally nominated for 14 nominations, winning twice.
Paul Reubens.Photo Courtesy of Art Streiber / August @aspictures8BIM
Photo Courtesy of Art Streiber / August @aspictures8BIM
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Reuben was not without his controversies. He wasarrestedin 1991 in Sarasota, Florida, for indecent exposure. He had specifically been caught masturbating while watching a film at an adult movie theater, buthe pleaded no contest to the crimeand avoided receiving a charge on his record. He was still required to complete 75 hours of community service.
Nearly a decade later, Reubens wasarrested again in 2002after child pornography material was found within his home (he said the images were part of a vintage erotica collection). He turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department and was charged with a misdemeanor for the possession. Thecharges were droppedin 2004 after he pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge.
source: people.com
