Following his demise in July, the official cause of death for the legendary actor who portrayed “Pee-wee Herman” has been revealed.
At the time of his demise, entertainment website The Blast reported that Paul Reubens was battling two varieties of cancer, the primary one being “acute myelogenous leukemia.”
The National Cancer Institute describes it as a “type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells.”
The news source added that Reubens was afflicted with metastatic lung cancer.
On July 31, his death was announced, and his representatives stated, “Paul 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.”
Fans were shocked by the news of his passing because Reubens had not previously disclosed he was battling cancer.
Reubens’ representatives also released a message from the star: “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.”
“I have always belt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters,” the late actor continued. “I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Reubens requested that any “expressions of sympathy” be made in his parents’ honor to organizations such as Stand Up to Cancer or dementia and Alzheimer’s research institutes.
According to his death certificate, Reubens was cremated and interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
The iconic cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the final resting place for hundreds of former entertainment industry professionals.
The 1985 film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” brought Reubens to the attention of the general public.
As it turns out, there’s no basement in the Alamo. RIP Pee Wee Herman. pic.twitter.com/Oj8KHpnYyC
— Rob Tiffany (@RobTiffany) July 31, 2023
He also starred in the Emmy-winning television series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” which ran from 1986 to 1991.