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So Long, Pee-Wee

He was more than just a comic act and he will be sorely missed.

This little man in the grey suit and red bowtie was more than just a comic act. As Bill points out in this loving tribute, Paul Reubens — who died on July 30th after a six-year battle with cancer — managed to create our culture’s Puck, our Pan, our God of Mischief… and he will be sorely missed.

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8 replies on “So Long, Pee-Wee”

I remember when Paul Reubens had a moments’ hesitation about being typecast as Peewee, so he took a role as a vampire in the original “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” movie.
Completely changed his appearance and presentation for the role. And yet, couldn’t resist introducing a bit of whimsical Peewee-like comedy in his death scene. (oh: spoiler warning for those of you that live under rocks!)
It was after that when he decided to embrace Peewee and never looked back! Even through the ‘dark times’, after the scandal.
I gotta go find “PBA” on video and watch again…
And yes, Bill. Peewee was Puck.

 If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, and all is mended,

That you have but slumber’d here

While these visions did appear.

And this weak and idle theme,

No more yielding but a dream,

Gentles, do not reprehend:

if you pardon, we will mend:

And, as I am an honest Puck,

If we have unearned luck

Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue,

We will make amends ere long;

Else the Puck a liar call;

So, good night unto you all.

Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.

Goodnight, fair Puck. The play is done.

Our introduction to Tim Burton combined with the iconic, weirdly innocent Pee-Wee is what made “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” so good. Admit it, without Burton, it would have been tough to pull off the innocence without a ‘creeper’ quality tanking the movie. Think “Edward Scissorhands”, another Burton vehicle where the outlier is the hero that was similarly appealing.
On the other hand, Paul Reubens gave Pee-Wee such a strong, self-assured faith in his own agency, something that would strike anyone as incongruous given his physical appearance, that he got us on his side. Thanks for making me feel less strange that I liked the character. I like him more now that I have social approval from y’all. 🙂

It’s all good. Somehow we found out a way to keep ourselves mildly amused in the interim.
Loved how the show Gotham cast Paul as Penguin’s father again.

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