Paul Reubens Reveals Hidden Truths in Posthumous Documentary

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Paul Reubens, the iconic comedian behind Pee-wee Herman, revealed his long-hidden sexuality and personal struggles in a posthumous documentary, Pee-wee as Himself, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, directed by Matt Wolf, offers an intimate look at Reubens’ life, career, and the creation of his beloved character, Pee-wee Herman.

Reubens, who passed away from cancer in July 2023 at age 70, had kept his diagnosis private for years. In the documentary, he disclosed that he was gay and had concealed his sexuality throughout his career. He also shared details about his relationship with Guy, a painter from Echo Park, Los Angeles, whose vocal quirks inspired some of Pee-wee Herman’s most famous catchphrases, including “Mmmm! Chocolatey!”

“I was out of the closet, and then, I went back in the closet. I wasn’t pursuing the Paul Reubens career; I was pursuing the Pee-wee Herman career,” Reubens explained in the film. He described how his decision to prioritize his career over his personal life led to decades of secrecy, even as he maintained “many, many secret relationships.”

The documentary also delves into Reubens’ early life, his time at Cal Arts, and his rise to fame with Pee-wee Herman. It highlights his struggles with identity, fame, and the public scandals that overshadowed his career in the 1990s. Reubens’ final years were marked by a desire to set the record straight, culminating in the documentary’s candid revelations.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” his representative said in a statement following his death. “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.”

Pee-wee as Himself is set to air on HBO later this year, offering fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the bow tie.