Pee-wee Herman's Death Certificate: Paul Reubens' Official Cause Of Death Revealed

Pee-wee Hermanaka Paul Reubenswas fighting two forms of aggressive cancer that eventually cost him his life.

According to the actor's death certificate, obtained by The Blast, Reubens's primary cause of death was "acute myelogenous leukemia." Specifically, this is a form of blood cancer that also attacks the bone marrow. Unfortunately, in the months leading up to his death, the actor was also battling metastatic lung cancer.

The official document reveals that the 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' star ultimately succumbed to "acute hypoxic respiratory failure." This condition occurs when "the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body, leading to hypoxemia." In this case, it was most likely caused by the cancer.

The death certificate noted that Reubens had been in the Entertainment business for over 50 years. Many of us know him from movies and television playing Pee Wee Herman, but the actor also starred in newer films like "Blow" with Johnny Depp.

According to the DC, Pee Wee was cremated and will be laid to rest in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Many celebrities are buried in the same location including Mickey Rooney, and Jayne Mansfield. Interestingly, the person who reported the death was Paul's longtime assistant Allison Berry. The death certificate lists Berry as his "Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) agent" which is also known as a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care." In the end, the actor was being treated by specialists at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

As you know, the actor was never married. It does say he attended "some college" for the education section.

Paul Reubens kept his struggle with cancer private for years, eventually releasing a statement apologizing to his fans. "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years," he wrote. Adding, "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."

The actor died on July 30, 2023, and his team released a statement 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."

They 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."

Tons of celebrities posted tributes to the famous actor including comedian Conan O'Brien who recalled "the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens."

He wrote, "Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts."

R.I.P. Pee-wee Herman. He was 70.