The cause of Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens’ death has been revealed just over a month after he passed away.
Reubens died at the age of 70 and a statement shared on his official Instagram account on 31 July suggested that he was 'bravely and privately' being treated for cancer for a number of years.
"Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” the statement from Reubens’ estate read.
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"Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
"A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit."
Many fans were shocked after learning about Reubens’ health prior to his death.
According to his death certificate obtained by The Blast and PEOPLE, Reubens died as a result of 'acute myelogenous leukemia' and 'acute hypoxic respiratory failure'.
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This complication happens when 'the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body, leading to hypoxemia'.
In addition to being diagnosed with blood cancer, Reubens ‘was also battling metastatic lung cancer’.
The death certificate also confirmed Reubens was to be cremated and laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Reubens was best known for his portrayal of Pee-wee Herman, including the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure, directed by Tim Burton.
Before starring in movies and TV shows in the 1980s, the Pee-wee Herman character developed as a stage act that quickly led to an HBO special in 1981.
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However, as a result negative media attention towards Reubens in 1991, the character took a long break from TV.
In 2016, Netflix's Pee-wee's Big Holiday marked his return, but ended up being Reubens’ final feature film before his death just seven years later.
After news of Reubens death was shared by his estate on social media, Judd Apatow wrote: "This is devastating news. We got to spend many years working with Paul on Pee Wee’s Big Holiday and got to see his genius and kindness up close.
"He made the world so happy! Some of the biggest laughs I have every experienced was watching him perform live. He is irreplaceable."
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