Photo:Alli Harvey/Getty
Alli Harvey/Getty
Joe Manganiellois mourning the loss ofPaul Reubens, whodied at the age of 70 on Monday.
He continued: “Today the world lost one of the greatest comedic geniuses of all time. Paul was subversive, brilliant, witty, and had the biggest heart on the planet… anyone on his Birthday mailing list will know what I mean… He was a visionary who was so far ahead of his time and had one of the scariest eyes for talent I’ve ever seen.”
In 2016, Reubens and Manganiello starred opposite each other in theJudd Apatow-produced Netflix moviePee-wee’s Big Holiday,but the actors also had a close friendship behind the scenes.
Joe Manganiello/ Instagram
TheTrue Bloodalum called Reubens “an icon” who was able to also be the “lovable underdog” to the world, which Manganiello wrote is “a much better place because it had him [Reubens] in it.”
“I’m just so glad that I got to be a part of his life and ultimately his comeback. I saw how tirelessly he showed up for people and his work with such joy,” Manganiello said. “I feel lucky that I could always be there for him when he needed me… best friends forever. RIP.”
Christopher Polk/Getty
On Monday, Reubens' rep confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor had died after a private battle with cancer.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved characterPee-wee Hermandelighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read a statement. “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.”
His rep posted the news on Reubens' Instagram page along with a posthumouspersonal statementfrom the star.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” the statement read. “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.”
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Reubens began playingPee-wee Hermanin 1977. He created his character when he was a member of the famed Los Angeles improv troupe The Groundlings, which was also an early home to stars includingKristin Wiig,Lisa Kudrow,Maya RudolphandKathy Griffin. He premiered the stage showThe Pee-wee Herman Showat The Groundlings Theatre in 1981.
Pee-wee Herman later made his big screen debut in the 1985 comedyPee-wee’s Big Adventure, which wasTim Burton’s feature film directorial debut. Reubens also created the Emmy-winning seriesPee-wee’s Playhouse,which ran on CBS for five seasons from 1986 to 1990.
After stepping back from acting for various reasons (including family matters and a pair of arrests, years apart, forindecent exposure- andpornography-related charges), Reubens returned withPee-wee’s Big Holidayand continued to work until 2021.
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Reubens' rep confirmed on Monday that the late star wrote the first draft of his memoir, the finishing touches on two more Pee-wee movie scripts and was developing projects for television, including a variety show and a western calledFancypants, before his death.
source: people.com
