S. Epatha Merkerson, renowned for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on *Law & Order*, has shared touching memories from her early career, particularly her time on *Pee-wee’s Playhouse*. The actress recently reflected on her audition process for the iconic children’s show during Paul Reubens’ memorial service. Reubens, the show’s creator and star, passed away on July 30, 2023, after battling lung cancer.
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Merkerson, 73, candidly described her initial encounter with the show, admitting she was unfamiliar with Reubens at the time of her audition. As she recalls, the audition did not begin on a humorous note. The woman conducting the audition, who rather lacked a sense of humour, had instructed her to perform without a script.
“I didn’t realise what I was getting into,” Merkerson said. “She told me I would be playing Reba the Mail Lady, delivering mail to Pee-wee Herman. I was already rehearsing for a play, so I didn’t take the time to learn about who Pee-wee was. That was a mistake I made but later corrected.”
During the audition, Merkerson, armed with some mail she had on her, improvised with the prop. “I pulled out a letter from Con Edison, followed by one from the Museum of Natural History, and even started singing ‘Dem Bones, dem bones, dem dry bones.’ It was amusing to me, but the woman wasn’t laughing,” she explained.
Despite the awkwardness, Merkerson was invited back two weeks later to meet with Reubens and other producers. “I walked into the room and saw Paul, who was dressed in short cut-offs, with long hair and a goatee. I did not know who he was, but he delved straight into a playful banter with me. At one point, I leaned over and said, ‘Dude, I’m trying to get this job. Could you chill out?’ He just laughed,” she recounted.
Despite the unexpected chaos, Merkerson landed the role. She later learned from one of the producers at Reubens’ memorial that he had enjoyed her audition, which was a pivotal moment in her journey. Merkerson described *Pee-wee’s Playhouse* as her first significant television gig, and noted that Reubens seemed to take an immediate liking to her.
Reflecting on their camaraderie, she noted that even on their first day of shooting, Reubens continued to joke around, trying to elicit laughter from her while they filmed. “Even as we worked, he would do funny things just to see if he could make me laugh,” she recalled. “I had to tell him, ‘Paul, give me a break. You’re messing with me and the director.’ And he replied, ‘But it’s called Pee-wee’s Playhouse, so this is my show!’”
The series, which aired from 1986 to 1990, featured a talented ensemble cast including Laurence Fishburne and Lynne Marie Stewart. Merkerson spoke glowingly about the community they forged, describing how the experience extended beyond merely a job; it was a lasting connection with colleagues that has endured the years.
At Reubens’ memorial, she noted how everyone was reminded of Reubens’ thoughtful nature. “He would send gifts for everyone’s birthdays,” she recounted. “Initially, we thought these gifts were personal and unique to us—like a rose encased in a jar that would light up when you spoke. At the memorial, we found we all received the same things, which showed the care he put into his relationships.”
Of her experience on *Pee-wee’s Playhouse,* Merkerson said it was transformational. “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet fabulous people, and I still have friendships from that time. Throughout the years, we have maintained bonds, which is something I truly cherish,” she remarked.
Merkerson fondly remembers the creative atmosphere of the show, highlighting its spontaneity and visual surprises. “Every day was exciting. You never knew what quirky or humorous element would unfold. There was constant creativity happening all around,” she said.
In closing, Merkerson expressed her heartfelt remembrance of Reubens, emphasising the lasting impact he had on her life. “I miss Paul dearly. He had this unique ability to leave a little bit of joy along with any message he sent. Every now and then, I would receive a delightful note from him or Lynne Marie Stewart that brightened my day,” she reflected.
Indeed, the memories shared by Merkerson embody not just nostalgia but also a testament to the bonds formed in a whimsical world that Reubens so expertly crafted on *Pee-wee’s Playhouse*.