Paul Reubens, the actor best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday night. He was 70. Reubens had been battling cancer.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in a statement on Instagram that was published after his death. “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.”
His publicist said he died Sunday night after a six-year struggle with cancer, which he did not make public.
“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,” read a statement on his Facebook page. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. 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.”
Ruebens became a household name in the 1980’s for his portrayal of the children’s character Pee-wee Herman.
“Paul asked that any expressions of sympathy be made in honor of his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” the post added.