In the wake of Paul Reubens’ death at age 70, Pee-wee’s Playhouse alum Natasha Lyonne is among those fondly remembering the comedian.

“Love you so much, Paul,” Lyonne wrote in a tweet on Monday, accompanied by photos of her stint on the comedy series. “One in all time. Thank you for my career & your forever friendship all these years & for teaching us what a true original is.”

Lyonne made her television debut at the age of 6 when she made her Pee-wee’s Playhouse début as Opal, a Playhouse Gang member. She appeared in six episodes of the first season of the programme.

Who is Natasha Lyonne?

Natasha Lyonne, born as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein on April 4, 1979, is an American actress, writer, and director. She gained fame for her versatile performances in films and television shows and has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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Lyonne’s acting career began at a young age when she appeared in the Pee-wee Herman film “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” in 1986. She continued to land roles in various TV shows and movies throughout the 1990s, but it was her portrayal of Jessica in the hit film “American Pie” (1999) that catapulted her to mainstream success.

In the early 2000s, Lyonne faced some personal challenges and struggled with substance abuse issues. Despite these difficulties, she managed to work on several projects during this time, showcasing her talent and resilience. Her career saw a resurgence when she starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-2019). For her performance as Nicky Nichols, a recovering drug addict, she received widespread acclaim and earned Emmy nominations.

Lyonne’s unique appearance and raspy voice have become iconic traits, and she has used her distinctive persona to her advantage, landing roles in various indie films and television projects. In addition to acting, Natasha Lyonne has ventured into writing and directing. She co-created and starred in the Netflix series “Russian Doll” (2019-present), which received critical praise and earned her several award nominations.

Also Read: Top 5 roles of Pee-wee Herman star Paul Reubens

Apart from her acting career, Natasha Lyonne has also been involved in activism and advocacy work. She is vocal about issues related to addiction and recovery and has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health.