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Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens died Sunday night after a private cancer diagnosis, his representatives said Monday morning.
"Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness," the statements, posted to Facebook and Instagram, said.
Reubens had "bravely and privately" had cancer for years, they added.
In a comment attributed to Reubens himself, Reubens apologized for "not going public with what I've been facing the last six years."
According to the statement, Reubens asked that any "expressions of sympathy be made in honor of his late parents" to "Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer's care, support and research."
"I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters," Reubens wrote. "I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."
Reubens was well-known for his decades-long comedy career and the character Pee-wee Herman, which he performed during stage shows and for the Tim Burton feature film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure."
