Paul Reubens’ Final Confessions Shine in "Pee-wee as Himself" at Sundance
PARK CITY, Utah — Paul Reubens, adored for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, offered a poignant look into his life in the documentary "Pee-wee as Himself," which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on Thursday. The two-part documentary, slated for HBO release, includes Reubens’ final interviews before his passing from cancer in July 2023 at the age of 70.
Directed by Matt Wolf, the film encompasses 40 hours of intimate conversation, where Reubens reflects on his experiences as a closeted gay man, his challenges in Hollywood, and the agonizing personal scandals that shaped his career. In one emotional revelation, he expresses his desire for the world to understand the real him, stating he was often labeled a "pariah." He poignantly adds, “To be able to get your message in at the last minute… is incredible.”
Born in Peekskill, New York, Reubens initially rose to fame in the 1980s with his character Pee-wee, crafted in the Groundlings comedy troupe. The character, a blend of innocence and absurdity, became a cultural phenomenon, leading to the success of the "Pee-wee’s Playhouse" television show and the hit film "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure."
However, Reubens’ journey was not without turmoil. A 1991 arrest for indecent exposure drastically altered public perception of him, leading the actor to retreat into anonymity. Despite behind-the-scenes struggles, he experienced a career resurgence with stage productions and continued work that brought Pee-wee back to life.
In this deeply personal documentary, Reubens’ struggles with fame, sexuality, and his private battles unfold, culminating in powerful reflective moments that resonate well beyond his comedic legacy. His ultimate message can be summed up in his last audio recording: “My whole career, everything I did and wrote, was based in love.”
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