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Paul Reubens

Of all the characters created by Paul Reubens, one - a nasal-voiced rascal of stunted maturity in an ill-fitting suit and cupie-doll bowtie - unexpectedly struck a chord with the inner-child in audiences everywhere. After years as a struggling comedian and actor, Reubens first introduced his signature character to audiences nationwide with a taped performance of his silly, yet subversive Los Angeles stage production, "The Pee-wee Herman Show" (HBO, 1981). Reubens' cult following eventually grew large enough to merit a feature film and "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985), directed by Tim Burton, became a genuine hit. He enjoyed continued success with the beloved Saturday morning kids show, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" (CBS, 1986-1991) and the movie sequel, "Big Top Pee-wee" (1988), until an indecent exposure arrest altered the public's perception of both Reubens and his creation. After nearly a decade of seclusion and battles with depression, the performer gradually returned with appearances on television and in films like "Mystery Men" (1999) and "Blow" (2001), until a dubious arrest for child pornography in 2002 once again tarnished his image, despite the fact that the charges were later dropped. Still, Reubens found comfort and redemption as his alter-ego when a new stage production enjoyed sold-out runs in Los Angeles and New York City prior to being aired on cable as "The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway" (2011). Forever channeling the socially inept child of wonder in everyone, Reubens and Pee-wee had left an indelible, joyful mark on the memories of an entire generation.