Challenges in the Life of Paul Reubens in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Paul Reubens's life and career.

Paul Reubens was an American actor and comedian best known for creating and portraying Pee-wee Herman. This character, with its childlike persona and distinctive appearance, gained immense popularity through stage shows, television programs, and films like "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." Reubens's career experienced both significant success and periods of controversy. Despite challenges, he remained a notable figure in comedy and entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture with his unique brand of humor.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1971: Arrested for loitering and prowling

In 1971, Paul Reubens was arrested for loitering and prowling near an adult theater, although charges were dropped.

1980: Audition for Saturday Night Live

In 1980, Paul Reubens auditioned for Saturday Night Live, but was not hired due to the presence of Gilbert Gottfried.

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1983: Arrested for possession of marijuana

In 1983, Paul Reubens was arrested and placed on two years of probation for possession of marijuana.

July 1991: Arrested for indecent exposure

In July 1991, Paul Reubens was arrested in Sarasota, Florida, for indecent exposure while watching a film at a porno theater. He offered to perform a children's benefit for the sheriff's office in exchange for leniency.

July 1991: CBS pulls Pee-wee's Playhouse reruns

In July 1991, following Paul Reubens' arrest, CBS pulled the last two remaining reruns of Pee-wee's Playhouse from their schedule.

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November 7, 1991: No contest plea and community service

On November 7, 1991, Paul Reubens pleaded no contest to charges related to his arrest, which avoided a charge on his record but obligated him to 75 hours of community service. He created and financed anti-drug public service announcements as part of his service.

1991: Recovering from depression after arrest

After his 1991 arrest, Paul Reubens credited Debi Mazar with helping him recover from the resulting depression.

1991: Arrest for Indecent Exposure

In 1991, Paul Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater in Sarasota, leading to significant media attention and postponement of major projects.

1991: Arrest leads to professional consequences

In 1991, Paul Reubens' arrest led to widespread media coverage, late-night talk show ridicule, suspension of a Pee-wee video from Disney-MGM Studios, and removal of Pee-wee toys from Toys "R" Us.

November 2002: Police search warrant at home

In November 2002, while Paul Reubens was filming a video for Elton John's "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore", police executed a search warrant at his home, acting on a tip related to a pornography case. They found videotapes and photographs that the city attorney's office characterized as "child pornography."

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February 2004: Father's death

In February 2004, during his ongoing legal issues, Paul Reubens' father died of cancer, after Reubens had spent two years caring for him in Sarasota, Florida.

March 2004: Child pornography charges dropped

In March 2004, child pornography charges against Paul Reubens were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to a lesser misdemeanor obscenity charge. He was required to register his address with the sheriff's office for three years and could not be in the company of minors without permission.