Paul Reubens, widely known as the quirky Pee-wee Herman, has made a significant revelation about his personal life even after his passing. In a posthumous documentary titled “Pee-wee as Himself,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday, January 23, the beloved comedian disclosed that he was gay, a fact he kept hidden throughout his career. The New York Post reported that before becoming famous for his Pee-wee persona, Reubens was in a relationship with a man named Guy from Echo Park in Los Angeles, with some of Guy’s mannerisms even shaping Pee-wee’s iconic catchphrases.
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The documentary revealed that Guy’s unique way of speaking, such as saying “Mmmm! Buttery!” in a Yoda-like voice, influenced Pee-wee’s memorable line, “Mmmm! Chocolatey!” Reubens first introduced the childlike character of Pee-wee Herman in 1981 while performing with the Groundlings comedy troupe. As his career skyrocketed following the character’s success, Reubens chose to keep his personal life hidden from the public eye. Reflecting on his decision, he expressed, “I was pursuing the Pee-wee Herman career, not the Paul Reubens career.”
Despite being open about his sexuality at one point, Reubens admitted to retreating back into the closet to focus on his career as Pee-wee Herman. He shared a poignant memory of visiting Guy in the hospital during his final days battling AIDS, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices he made to uphold his Hollywood persona. Throughout his life, the Pee-wee’s Playhouse star had numerous secret relationships that he kept hidden while delving deeper into his professional success.
Reubens delves into the complexities of fame, acknowledging the challenges he faced in managing his public image alongside his personal life. His appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, successful tours, and the hit film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” propelled him to stardom, yet behind the scenes, he grappled with internal conflicts regarding his sexuality. Despite achieving fame and acclaim, Reubens confessed to concealing his true self and indulging in an undercover lifestyle due to a mix of self-hatred and self-preservation.
Tragically, on July 30, 2023, Reubens passed away at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer, a diagnosis he chose to keep confidential for years. Following his death, a statement from his representative confirmed the news, expressing admiration for Reubens’ enduring legacy as an actor, comedian, writer, and producer. The statement honoured Reubens as an iconic figure whose creation of Pee-wee Herman brought joy and positivity to audiences of all ages, cementing his place as a cherished entertainer with a legacy of kindness and whimsy.
Paul Reubens’ posthumous revelation has shed light on the complexities of navigating personal identity and fame in the entertainment industry. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles individuals face in reconciling their public personas with their private truths, resonating with audiences on a deeper level. Through his legacy as Pee-wee Herman, Reubens leaves behind a message of authenticity and acceptance, inspiring fans to embrace their true selves regardless of the challenges they may encounter.