One of the most subversive and original figures in 1980s popular culture was Pee-wee Herman, a character created and played by actor Paul Reubens. Pee-wee Herman was a whey-faced, cherry-lipped, matchstick-thin child-man who wore a red bow tie, white tasselled loafers, and a shrunken grey suit. He lived in a giant playhouse with sentient furniture and a floating head. Sadly, Paul Reubens has passed away at the age of 70 from cancer.
Pee-wee Herman first appeared on stage in The Pee-wee Herman Show during the early 1980s. However, it wasn’t until the release of the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in 1985, directed by Tim Burton, that he gained international recognition. The film encompassed the iconography of the ’50s and early ’60s, which heavily influenced US cinema during the Reagan era. Pee-wee Herman’s character drew inspiration from bygone children’s shows like Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo, combining an undercurrent of kinkiness and innuendo with an air of gleeful innocence.
Pee-wee embarks on a journey across the US to find his stolen bike in a story inspired by the Italian neo-realist classic Bicycle Thieves. Along the way, he encounters eccentric characters, including the undead truck driver Large Marge. Pee-wee’s nasal voice, honking laugh, and quirky catchphrases added to his distinct persona, and his commitment to playing the character with utmost seriousness contributed to his success.
Following the film’s success, Pee-wee Herman’s popularity soared with the children’s TV show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which aired from 1986 to 1990. The show pushed the surrealism of the film even further, incorporating adult humor in a way that could be enjoyed by both kids and grown-ups. Pee-wee Herman became a symbol of queerness without being intimidating or conforming to societal norms, promoting the message that nonconformity is not a negative trait.
Paul Reubens faced challenges in his career, including a lackluster film sequel, Big Top Pee-wee, and two scandals involving his personal life. Despite these setbacks, he continued to make appearances in various films and TV shows, often in animated roles or as eccentric guest characters.
Pee-wee Herman made periodic returns over the years, receiving a warm reception each time. Reubens had the opportunity to repair any damage caused by his controversies with a new version of The Pee-wee Herman Show in 2010 and the Netflix film Pee-wee’s Big Holiday in 2016, produced by Judd Apatow.
Paul Reubens is survived by his sister Abby and brother Luke. His contribution to popular culture as Pee-wee Herman will always be remembered for its subversive and original nature.