Beloved actor and comedian Paul Reubens, known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. The news of his death has left the entertainment industry in mourning, with celebrities and fans alike offering touching tributes to the comedy legend.

One of Reubens' longtime friends and former co-star, Natasha Lyonne, took to Twitter to honor him. Lyonne expressed her love and gratitude for Reubens, thanking him for her career and their enduring friendship. The actress played the character of Opal in the popular TV show "Pee-wee's Playhouse."

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also paid tribute to Reubens, praising his brilliance and originality as a comedian. Kimmel highlighted Reubens' ability to make both children and adults laugh, as well as his genuine delight for silliness. Actor Steve Martin echoed these sentiments, thanking Reubens for his off-the-wall comedy and mentioning that "Pee Wee got his wish to fly."

Conan O'Brien shared his heartfelt condolences, describing Reubens as a surreal comedian who brought joy to everyone he met. O'Brien mentioned Reubens' tradition of sending nonsensical memes to everyone he knew on their birthdays, emphasizing his kindness and generosity.

An official statement announcing Reubens' death was posted on his Instagram account. The statement described Reubens as an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman brought positivity, whimsy, and kindness to generations of fans. It was revealed that Reubens had fought cancer privately for six years with tenacity and wit. The statement also included a posthumous message from Reubens, apologizing for not going public with his illness and expressing his love and respect for his friends, fans, and supporters.

Reubens' passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from other celebrities. Filmmaker Paul Feig described the news as devastating, praising Reubens as a comedy genius. Cher, David Hasselhoff, and Mark Hamill also expressed their sadness at the loss of Reubens and shared their memories of him.

Reubens' career began in the 1970s when he joined the Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles. In 1986, he gained national attention with the debut of "Pee-wee's Playhouse," a show that received critical acclaim and numerous Emmy Awards. Reubens later brought the character to Broadway in "The Pee-wee Herman Show" and continued to create Pee-wee projects for both television and film.

As the news of Paul Reubens' death spreads, fans and celebrities alike are remembering his comedic genius, kindness, and the lasting impact of his beloved character Pee-wee Herman. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness.