Sarah Michelle Gellar and Cher lead tributes as Pee-wee star Paul Reubens dies

31 July 2023 , 19:53

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Sarah Michelle Gellar and Cher lead tributes as Pee-wee star Paul Reubens dies

The death of actor Paul Reubens has rocked the celebrity world with the star passing away aged 70.

He was best known for the iconic role of Pee-wee Herman star from the 1980s and had kept his battle with cancer a secret for the last six years. His death was announced on Monday via his official Instagram page and fans and celebrities alike were quick to share their devastation in tributes to the star.

Leading the way was actress Sarah Michelle Gellar who shared a selection of birthday memes he would send her on her special day. Over the top of the personal messages, the Buffy star wrote: "#RIPPaulReubens. Your bday memes always made my day (and you were usually the first text I received."

Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall was also on hand to pay tribute, writing on Instagram: "Such sad, sad news. Always brilliant. Always a favorite. RIP Paul x."

Director Judd Apatow paid tribute to the star (Getty Images)

So too did Cher (WireImage)

And comedian Jimmy Kimmel also shared his thoughts on social media. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "Paul Reubens was like no one else - a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him."

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Many other stars paid their respects, including Conan O'Brien, Natasha Lyonne and Judd Apatow, who produced Pee-wee's Big Holiday in 2016. Judd called Paul's death "devastating news".

And singer Cher said her goodbyes to her "sweet prince" friend, penning: "Goodbye Paul. Goodnight sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to they rest. Hamlet, William Shakespeare."

Conan O'Brien shared a tribute on social media (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Paul's death was confirmed in an emotional statement which read: "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.

"Paul bravely and privately 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."

Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to the star (ABC via Getty Images)

His career started in the 1970s after he joined comedy troupe the Groundlings in Los Angeles. He worked as an improv comedian at the time, as well as a stage actor. He later launched The Pee-wee Herman Show in 1980 and was involved in a number of spin-offs of the character.

Jamie Roberts