What Was Paul Reubens Net Worth When He Died?

At the time of his passing on July 31, 2023, Paul Reubens, best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, had an estimated net worth of $5 million. Reubens was a beloved comedian, actor, and television personality who left a lasting impact on American pop culture with his quirky and childlike alter ego, Pee-wee Herman.

Early Life

Paul Reubens was born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York. He grew up in Sarasota, Florida, where his parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, owned a lamp store. His father had a diverse background, having served as a pilot during World War II for the British Royal Air Force, the U.S. Army Air Forces, and as a founding pilot of the Israeli Air Force. Reubens was the eldest of three siblings, with a younger sister, Abby, and a brother, Luke.

Reubens’ fascination with entertainment began early, inspired by frequent visits to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose winter headquarters were located in Sarasota. This early exposure to the circus played a significant role in shaping his unique comedic style.

He was actively involved in theater during his high school years at Sarasota High School, where he served as president of the National Thespian Society. After graduating, he attended Boston University and later moved to California to pursue acting, eventually enrolling at the California Institute of the Arts. During this time, he supported himself by working in restaurant kitchens and performing at local comedy clubs. Reubens joined The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improvisational comedy troupe, where he honed his comedic skills over six years.

The Birth of Pee-wee Herman

The character Pee-wee Herman was born during a 1978 improvisational session with The Groundlings. Reubens created Pee-wee as a comedic character who dreams of becoming a successful comic but is hilariously inept at telling jokes. The character’s name was inspired by a Pee Wee brand harmonica and a childhood friend named Herman.

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In 1981, Reubens transformed Pee-wee into a stage show, “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which gained a cult following and was eventually adapted into an HBO special. This success led to the creation of the children’s television show Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986-1990) and two feature films, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee-wee (1988). Pee-wee’s Playhouse earned Reubens an Emmy Award in 1987 and became a cultural phenomenon, beloved by both children and adults.

Challenges and Comebacks

Reubens’ career took a hit in 1991 when he was arrested in Florida on charges of indecent exposure. The scandal tarnished his public image, leading CBS to pull reruns of Pee-wee’s Playhouse from its lineup. Despite this setback, Reubens gradually rebuilt his career, appearing in films such as Batman Returns (1992), Mystery Men (1999), and Blow (2001). He also made memorable guest appearances on television shows like 30 Rock and Black Mirror.

In 2010, Reubens brought Pee-wee Herman back to the stage with The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway, which received critical acclaim. He continued to explore new opportunities, lending his voice to the character Jokey in The Smurfs (2011) and its sequel, and starring in the Netflix film Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016).

Personal Life

Reubens’ personal life was marked by a few legal controversies, including a 1971 arrest for loitering (the charges were dropped) and a 2002 arrest related to the possession of vintage erotica, which he maintained was part of his extensive collection. Despite these challenges, Reubens remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Real Estate

In 1985, Reubens purchased a 3,000-square-foot home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, for $415,000 using earnings from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. This home, set on 1.4 acres, was his primary residence for nearly 40 years. In May 2024, following his passing, the estate listed the property for sale, and it sold in July 2024 for $3.8 million.

Paul Reubens Net Worth

Paul Reubens net worth was $5 million when he died in 2023.