In the many tributes to Paul Reubens — the actor, comedian and producer best known for his character Pee-wee Herman — there’s a through line: He had a way of making his friends feel special.
The star — who died Sunday after a private, six-year cancer battle at age 70 — would send personal greetings to close friends and acquaintances on their birthday. They came in the form of videos, cards, memes and pie-in-the-face GIFs. And he had a lot of friends because everyone seemed to be on his recipient list.
So many of the social media tributes posted in the wake of Reubens’s death note that thoughtful trait. Jimmy Kimmel said the “brilliant and original comedian,” who had over 100 credits including TV’s Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,”never forgot a birthday.”
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.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 31, 2023
Artist Mark Ryden dubbed him the “ultimate ‘birthday king.'” If you were lucky enough to be on his list, you could expect an overflowing flood of texts, gifs and heartfelt messages throughout your special day. He really made you feel loved. He was such a special human being.”
