'Pee-Wee Herman' actor Paul Reubens reported dead at 70
Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines of July 31
Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here.
Paul Reubens, the comedian who played the popular children's character Pee-wee Herman, has died at 70 following a battle with cancer.
"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 shared with Fox News Digital on Monday.
Pee Wee Herman appears on NBC News' "Today" show. (Peter Kramer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"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," it added.
In a personal statement he wrote before his passing, Reubens addressed his time away from the limelight in a social media post shared after the news broke of his death.
Actor Paul Reubens poses for a portrait in July 1995 in Los Angeles. (Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images)
"Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years," he wrote. "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."
In a separate statement, Paul requested "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."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.