Paul Reubens, an actor, writer, comedian, and producer known best for his character “Pee-wee Herman,” died Sunday night after a six-year battle with cancer.
The Florida native, who grew up in Sarasota, was 70.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” according to a statement on his Facebook page. “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.”
The actor “delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” the statement continued.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in his own statement, which was also posted to his Facebook page. “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.”
He asked fans to make expressions of sympathy following his death 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.
Born in Peekskill, New York as Paul Rubenfeld, he grew up in Sarasota, where his parents owned a lamp store, according to the performer’s IMDB page.