Shaun Weiss, the beloved actor known for his role in “The Mighty Ducks,” recently shared a heartwarming story from his past involving an audition alongside the legendary actor Paul Rubens on the set of ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse.’
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Weiss, now 45, reminisced about his experience auditioning for a role on the iconic children’s show when he was just 6 years old. In a podcast episode called Pod Meets World, hosted by Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, Weiss described how Rubens, who played the character Pee-wee Herman, went above and beyond to make him feel comfortable during the audition.
The actor recalled the excitement and nerves he felt as he prepared for the audition, staying up all night to memorize his lines. He vividly remembered the moment he walked into the audition room and saw Rubens not in character but as himself with a beard and glasses, which confused the young Weiss. It wasn’t until Rubens transformed into Pee-wee Herman that Weiss believed he was truly meeting the iconic character.
Weiss amusingly recounted how he questioned Rubens about an imposter pretending to be Pee-wee Herman, showing his skepticism even at a young age. Rubens, in a kind and humorous gesture, reassured Weiss by saying, “Yeah. That was Paul. He does that to everybody.” The actor’s dedication to staying in character and making Weiss feel at ease left a lasting impression on him.
Paul Rubens, known for his portrayal of Pee-wee Herman in various projects like ‘The Pee-wee Herman Show’ and ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,’ passed away in 2023 at the age of 70. Despite his iconic role, Rubens was remembered by Weiss as a genuine and caring individual who went the extra mile to connect with a young actor during an audition.
Following his experience on ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse,’ Weiss went on to secure a role as Elvis on the show. However, his breakout moment came when he starred as Greg Goldberg in ‘The Mighty Ducks’ films. Despite his successful acting career in the ’90s and early 2000s, Weiss faced personal struggles in the following years, including homelessness and addiction.
In 2018, Weiss sought help by entering rehab after multiple arrests related to his substance abuse. Despite facing challenges, he celebrated being two years sober in 2022 and announced his return to acting in the film ‘Jesus Revolution’ in 2023 after a 14-year hiatus. In December 2024, Weiss shared the joyful news of expecting his first child with his girlfriend Shannon, marking a new chapter in his life.
From his early audition on ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ to his journey through highs and lows in his personal life and career, Shaun Weiss continues to inspire with his resilience and determination. His story serves as a testament to overcoming adversity and finding hope and purpose in the face of challenges.