Born on this day in Peekskill, New York: comedic visionary Paul Reubens (27 August 1952 – 30 July 2023), the genius creator of madcap man-child character, adored kitsch icon and pop culture fixture Pee-wee Herman. If you haven’t watched it already, the 2025 documentary Pee-wee as Himself by Matt Wolf is an absolute must. (Not ashamed to admit I watched it through a veil of tears). Pictured: portrait of Reubens by Herb Ritts, 1987.











