Remembering Paul Reubens: The Life, Legacy, And Relationships Of The Iconic Pee-wee Herman

When you think of quirky, lovable characters that brought joy to millions, Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman has to be right at the top of that list. The beloved actor and comedian passed away on July 30, 2023, at the age of 70. Reubens, who was nominated for an Emmy, left behind not just a legacy of laughter but also a heartfelt request. He asked fans to donate to organizations like Stand Up to Cancer and those focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s care, in honor of his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld. Let’s dive deeper into his personal life, including his relationships and family. Scroll down to uncover more about this incredible man who brought so much joy into our lives.

Was Paul Reubens Ever Married?

At the time of his passing, Paul Reubens was not married. However, he did have a memorable moment when he participated in what he called an "impromptu mock wedding ceremony" with Chandi Heffner in 1989. This spontaneous event took place at Shangri La, the estate of the late heiress Doris Duke. Now, here’s the fun part—he wasn’t just winging it; actor Jim Nabors, known for his role in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., attended the ceremony and even serenaded the couple with a performance.

Reubens, always the jokester, kept a temporary marriage license from the event, which was signed by none other than Imelda Marcos. It’s these little details that show how much fun and humor he brought to everything he did, even mock weddings.

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Reubens also had a significant relationship with actress Debi Mazar, which lasted from 1993 to 1999. He often credited her for helping him pull through one of the darkest periods of his life. In fact, he once said, “What finally pulled me out of my shell the first time was that I fell in love. I met a woman, an actress—Debi Mazar—at a movie screening toward the end of 1993 and was just so incredibly completely smitten that it was like, boom, I’m back!”

He went on to explain how powerful their relationship was, calling it a "gift." He shared, “I would be all funky and dark, but she was able to just say a bunch of stuff to me, like ‘Come on! Up, up, up, up!’” That’s the kind of energy that Debi brought into his life, and it clearly had a profound impact on him.

After their breakup, Debi Mazar went on to marry Gabriele Corcos in 2002. Meanwhile, Reubens chose to keep the details of his love life private, focusing instead on his career and his passion for creating art that brought joy to others.

Did Paul Reubens Have Kids?

Paul Reubens did not have any children. His life was dedicated to his craft and the characters he brought to life, like the unforgettable Pee-wee Herman. Upon his passing, representatives for Reubens released a heartfelt statement to Closer, saying, “Last night, we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness.”

The statement continued, “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

Additionally, Reubens’ team shared a personal statement he had written prior to his death. In it, he expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received from his friends and fans. He said, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

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