Actor and comedian Paul Reubens has died of cancer at the age of 70.

A statement on his Instagram page read: “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. 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.”

There was also a quote from the Pee-wee Herman actor which he had written for his fans prior to his death. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. 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,” the note said.

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Paul Reubens’ life was not without it’s own share of controversies. He was arrested for possession of child pornography in 2002.

He was shooting David LaChapelle’s video for Elton John’s This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore in November 2022 when police arrived at his home with a search warrant. The authorities raided his house after receiving a tip from a witness related to a different case involving actor Jeffrey Jones. Over 70,000 items of kitsch memorabilia, two grainy videotapes, and dozens of photographs were recovered from his home. All the items were characterized as child pornography by the city attorney office.

Reubens surrendered at Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and was charged with misdemeanor possession of obscene material improperly depicting a child under the age of 18 in sexual conduct after the DA found no grounds for bringing any felony charges against him.

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The following month, Reubens pleaded not guilty. In March 2004, child pornography charges were dropped after Reubens agreed to plead guilty to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge. He was also required by law for the next three years to register his address with the sheriff’s office. He also could not be in the company of minors without the permission of their parent or legal guardian.

Unfortunately, the charge came just a year after Reubens had managed to make his career comeback Ted Demme’s 2001 drama Blow, which starred Penélope Cruz and Johnny Depp. Prior to that, he had been arrested in July 1991, Sarasota, Florida, for masturbating while watching a movie at an adult movie theater. After the arrest went public, Reubens fell into serious depression and receded from public limelight as the children’s icon was became the subject of ridicule and he was dropped from projects.