Paul Rubenfeld

Paul Rubenfeld was born in Peekskill, New York, and raised in Oneonta and Sarasota, Florida. He studied theater at Boston University and the California Institute of the Arts before joining the Los Angeles improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings in the late 1970s, where he created his alter ego: the bow-tied, tight-suited man-child Pee-wee Herman.

Reubens developed the character through sell-out stage revues at the Roxy Theatre before partnering with director Tim Burton on the 1985 comedy classic Pee-wee's Big Adventure. From 1986 to 1990, Reubens produced, co-wrote, and starred in Pee-wee's Playhouse on CBS Saturday mornings. With its vibrant mid-century pop aesthetics, talking furniture (Chairry, Conky), and campy retro charm, the show won 15 Emmy Awards and redefined children's television. Beyond Pee-wee, Reubens gave memorable dramatic and comedic performances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Batman Returns (as the Penguin's father), and Ted Demme's Blow (2001).