Childhood and Education Journey of Paul Reubens in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Paul Reubens. A timeline of key moments.

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

1948: Father's Involvement in the Arab-Israeli War

In 1948, Milton Rubenfeld, Paul Reubens' father, was one of the founding pilots of the Israeli Air Force during the Arab-Israeli War, flying against Arab forces in smuggled fighter planes.

August 27, 1952: Paul Reubens' Birth

On August 27, 1952, Paul Rubenfeld, later known as Paul Reubens, was born in Peekskill, New York.

1953: Birth of Abby Rubenfeld

In 1953, Abby Rubenfeld, Paul Reubens' younger sister, was born.

1958: Birth of Luke Rubenfeld

In 1958, Luke Rubenfeld, Paul Reubens' younger brother, was born.

1970: Origin of Pee-wee's Voice

In 1970, Paul Reubens adopted a cartoon-like way of speaking for a role in Life with Father, which later became Pee-wee's voice.

1971: Arrested for loitering and prowling

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

1973: Graduation from California Institute of the Arts

In 1973, Paul Reubens graduated with a BFA in Theatre from the California Institute of the Arts.

1978: Origin of the Pee-wee Herman Character

In 1978, during an improvisation exercise with the Groundlings, Paul Reubens created the character of Pee-wee Herman.

1981: Starting Own Show in Los Angeles

In 1981, Paul Reubens decided to start his own show in Los Angeles using the character Pee-wee Herman, after not being hired for Saturday Night Live.

1983: Arrested for possession of marijuana

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

1986: Production of Pee-wee's Playhouse Begins

In 1986, production began on Pee-wee's Playhouse in New York City, with Paul Reubens acting, producing, and directing the show.

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November 10, 1990: Final Episode of Pee-wee's Playhouse

On November 10, 1990, the final episode of Pee-wee's Playhouse aired, concluding its five-season run.

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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.

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.

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.