Actor Paul Reubens, renowned for his iconic role as Pee-wee Herman, tragically succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia. His death certificate disclosed that he had been grappling with metastatic lung cancer in the months preceding his passing. The official cause of his demise was attributed to “acute hypoxic respiratory failure,” a condition in which the respiratory system fails to adequately provide oxygen to the body, resulting in hypoxemia.
Paul Reubens passed away at the age of 70 in July. His family shared the heart-wrenching news with his fans and the public through an announcement on Instagram. This revelation sheds light on the health challenges he faced in his final days, adding a layer of complexity to the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
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
read the statement his family posted on Instagram, announcing the news.
and belief in the importance of kindness,
Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific
the statement continued.
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.
In the Instagram post, his family also included a quote from the actor himself, further commemorating his legacy.
Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.
Reuben quoted.
I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all
so much and enjoyed making art for you.
The Instagram post unveiling Paul Reubens’ passing also conveyed his heartfelt request for condolences. He wished that any expressions of sympathy be directed towards honoring his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, by contributing to causes such as Stand Up to Cancer or organizations dedicated to the care, support, and research related to Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This compassionate gesture reflects his commitment to meaningful causes even in his final moments.