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Life Behind the Fame

‘Pee-Wee Herman’ Star Paul Reubens Reflects On ‘Painful’ Impact Of Allegations In His Final Days

by Peace A

Published January 27, 2025

Paul Reubens Misconduct

Paul Reubens, the beloved Pee-wee Herman, opened up about the darkest chapters of his life in the HBO docuseries Pee-wee as Himself. Although he passed away from cancer in July 2023, he used the documentary to clear the air about his controversial past before his death.

The series premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, revealing the legal troubles and public backlash that plagued the late actor. Paul Reubens shared his anguish over the misconduct he was accused of and being labeled a “pedophile” following two high-profile arrests. This became a turning point in his life.

Related:

  1. Paul Reubens, Best Known As Pee-Wee Herman, Dies At 70
  2. Pee-Wee’s Playhouse’s Lynne Marie Stewart Recalls Last Conversation With Paul Reubens Before His Death

Paul Reubens’ misconduct allegations

Paul Reubens misconduct
PEE-WEE’s PLAYHOUSE, Paul Reubens (as Pee-wee Herman), sitting on Chairry, 1986-1990. © Pee Wee Pictures / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Paul Reubens’ first arrest occurred in 1991 when he was charged with indecent exposure at an adult movie theatre. Even though he pleaded no contest to this charge, he was still charged for something similar a decade later. In 2001, the authorities then searched his house and discovered some explicit material that exploited minors.

Therefore, he was charged in 2002 with misconduct for having such sexual materials involving underage children. However, Paul Reubens maintained his innocence throughout, and in 2004, the case was resolved when he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. But being labeled such plagued Reubens, and he strongly desired to let the public know the truth about all that had happened.

Paul Reubens misconduct
PEE-WEE’s PLAYHOUSE, (from left): Chairry, Mr. Window (obscured), Paul Reubens (as Pee-wee Herman), Conky 2000, 1986-1990. © Pee Wee Pictures / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Matt Wolf directed the docuseries to show Paul Reubens’ career and the challenges he endured. From his work on Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Pee-wee’s Playhouse to his arrests, he desired to create a balance between his identity, his career, and the misconduct charges against him.

Inside the new Paul Reubens documentary

The movie also addresses how societal biases may have fueled the scrutiny Paul Reubens faced. Publicist Kelly Bush Novak described the legal troubles as a “homophobic witch hunt,” emphasizing the prejudice often embedded in public and legal perceptions.

Paul Reubens misconduct
PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE Paul Reubens, 1985

At the end of his life, Reubens decided to complete the documentary, even recording audio on his own just one day before his death. “I wanted to talk about what it’s like to be labeled a pariah, to have people scared of you, unsure of you, or untrusting,” he said. “I wanted people to understand that occasionally, where there is smoke, there isn’t always fire.”

Next up: Christopher Walken Reflects On Dancing With Judy Garland At Liza Minnelli’s 16th Birthday Party
Previous article: Goldie Hawn Steps Out Makeup-Free Ahead Of 80th Birthday – And Looks Rough
Next Post: ‘A Complete Unknown’ Director’s Fight For Emotional Depth In Modern Movies

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