The Tributes To Paul Reubens Are Pouring In As Pee-Wee Herman Fans And Hollywood Reacts To His Death

Following the news that Paul Reubens died at age 70 following a private battle with cancer, the tributes started pouring in on social media as fans celebrated the comedy actor’s beloved role as Pee-Wee Herman. There was also plenty of love for his standout performance in Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as Reubens’ hilarious 30 Rock cameo.

Thanks to being a permanent fixture in the Hollywood comedy scene going all the way back to the ’80s, Reubens accrued a wealth of celebrity friends who also joined in remembering the late actor.

“No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens,” Conan O’Brien wrote. “Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts.”

— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) July 31, 2023

“Goodbye Paul, goodnight sweet prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” Cher tweeted.

Goodnight sweet prince

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Hamlet

William Shakespeare

— Cher (@cher) July 31, 2023

“Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote. “He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 31, 2023

“Just heard that Paul Reubens died. He brought me so much joy, and getting to know him was a gift,” Andy Richter tweeted. “Truly one of my heroes.”

— Andy [email protected] (@AndyRichter) July 31, 2023

“This is devastating. Truly heartbreaking. Paul was such a comedy genius,” Paul Feig wrote. “From his Letterman appearances to his TV shows and movies, he was so original and hilarious. And such a sweet man too. This is a huge loss for comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Paul.”

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 31, 2023

“Aw man… Pee-wee Herman has ridden off to heaven,” Carl Weathers tweeted. “RIP Paul Reubens. Thank you for giving us Pee-wee. You made yours truly a fan and you were one of the nice guys.”

— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) July 31, 2023

Comedy Bang Bang host Scott Aukerman shared an especially lovely tribute to Reubens on Instagram, as well.

And, as proof of a life well-lived, the Muppets chimed in, too.

— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) July 31, 2023

You can scroll through more Paul Reubens tributes below:

— Eli Pinkerman (@eli_pinkerman) July 31, 2023