It’s a big day for Paul “Pee-wee Herman” Reubens, as the comedy legend has just turned 70 years old. While he has appeared in a variety of movies and television shows over the decades, Reubens is perhaps best known for his Pee-wee Herman character who’s been around since the 1980s. Ever since breaking into the scene with Pee-wee’s Playhouse and the Pee-wee Herman feature films, Reubens has remained a pop culture icon, and it’s clear from the love he’s getting on social media just how popular he still truly is.

“Happy Birthday, Pee-Wee Paul Reubens! You are a true artist of comedy,” one fan tweeted.

Another tweet reads, “Happy Birthday Pee-wee Herman. One of the great performers. An absolute genius.”

Some fans are sharing their favorite GIFs of Reubens in character as Pee-wee Herman while sending happy birthday messages to the actor.

Other fans are a bit surprised to hear that Reubens is now 70 years old. As one person tweeted, “Pee-wee Herman (aka Paul Reubens) is 70 today. That’s gonna take a bit to sink in.”

Related: Will Pee-wee Herman’s Paul Reubens Ever Give Fans a Playhouse Film?

Paul Reubens is Still Celebrated for His Performance as Pee-wee Herman

In recent years, Reubens has revisited the popular Pee-wee Herman character. This includes starring in an all-new movie, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which premiered on Netflix in 2016. Reubens has also been participating in live stage shows for fans to see him in character, and he has also taken Pee-wee’s Big Adventure on the road in honor of its 35th anniversary. He has clearly fully embraced Pee-wee as a big part of his life. With that said, Reubens has been appearing elsewhere in recent years. This includes roles in TV shows like Gotham, Mosaic, Legends of Tomorrow, What We Do in the Shadows, and The Conners.


“Sometimes it can be confusing having an alter-ego,” Reubens said in 2020 of spending so much time in the mindset of a fictional character, via Out Clique. “For example, when I’m at the supermarket, am I shopping for myself or Pee-wee Herman? If I’m at the mall, and I see a nice pair of slacks, is it me or Pee-wee that’s admiring them? That speeding ticket I just received . . . that was definitely Pee-wee Herman. Since he doesn’t really exist, no one would have to pay it.”

Happy, happy 70th birthday to Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman! You can see some more of the tribute posts made by fans in honor of the actor’s big day below.