Paul Reubens Reflects on His Career and Personal Life in HBO’s Docuseries
Pee-Wee Herman was an iconic figure beloved by many, but the actor behind the character, Paul Reubens, faced a turning point following a shocking arrest in 1991 that altered his career forever.
Now, nearly two years after his passing, Reubens shares his story through recordings made shortly before he died in the HBO docuseries Pee-Wee as Himself, which was released recently.
In the documentary, Reubens discusses the 1991 incident involving his arrest for indecent exposure, which he describes as a pivotal yet misunderstood moment in his life, revealing the truth about the man behind the beloved character.
Reubens openly confirmed his sexuality, expressing trepidation about doing so, and shared details about his many secret relationships, emphasizing how his career overshadowed his personal life. He articulated that he initially chose to stay in the closet to protect his career as Pee-Wee Herman.
Reflecting on past relationships, he explained that after a significant breakup he decided to prioritize his career over romantic involvement, fearing it might negatively impact his success.
Despite the challenges he faced and the setbacks due to his arrest, Reubens aimed to candidly present his life story. He wanted to clarify misconceptions and reveal that much of his work was rooted in love and creativity aimed at entertaining and inspiring others. Paul Reubens passed away on July 30, 2023, at the age of 70 after battling cancer.
