The cause of death of actor and comedian Paul Reubens, best known for his character as Pee-wee Herman, has been revealed.
A representative for Reubens confirmed to Fox News Digital he died from acute myelogenous leukemia.
According to Mayo Clinic, acute myelogenous leukemia is a “cancer of the blood and bone marrow.”
Reubens died on July 30. He was 70 years old.
Following his death, his longtime representative released a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
“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,” his rep said.
His rep 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.”
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Mark Holton, who was Reubens’ co-star in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” revealed to “Fox Across America” that the actor kept his six-year cancer battle “private” even from him, “right up to the end.”
He shared:
“That was a private thing for him or whatever. There’s so many things that he did for kids with cancer over the years that nobody knew about. Because he didn’t talk about it. You didn’t drag a camera crew in with him. He was a good man. He genuinely loved children. He had many generations of children to love him for the work that he did. And he would want a eulogy like the one you’re giving him, playing his little hits and sound bites or the soundboard or whatever, especially the one with the laughter as a selfish request. When we conclude this, can we just go out with that?”
In a post shared to his Instagram page after his death, Reubens apologized for not disclosing his health issues publicly.
“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,” he wrote.
Reubens concluded, “I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
