See one of 'Pee-wee Herman's' first interviews as himself

In a 1981 interview on CNN, actor and comedian Paul Reubens explained how he came up with his alter ego Pee-wee Herman. #CNN #News

[Dave-nmxc]

I never realized how handsome Paul was back then. Rest in peace.

[patricias]

Paul Reubens was a comic genius. The world is duller without him. All of the wonderfully unique, talented, 'odd' in the best way, people seem to be leaving us.

[chrissy]

He was just so adorable here. His voice is so mellow. May he rest in peace.

[MsChuckroast]

A disarmingly handsome man. Rest well Paul.

[rodentcafeteria]

When I heard that he had passed away, I was trying to recall if I had ever seen him on any of the talk shows where he was just himself. Apparently, it was very rare. He created an iconic character that made a lot of people laugh. Well done.

[keaton]

40 years passes in an instant. Movie stars and idols from my childhood are old men retiring and dying in the blink of an eye, RIP Paul.

[JaycRam]

This is the most "normal" I've seen Paul.

Rest easy, man. At 4 years old, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure was one of my favorite movies.

[annagrace]

He was so handsome! And he genuinely loved his parents so much. We love you now and forever, Paul <3

[JOSEPHMATTHEWHOLLAND]

There goes my childhood rest easy guy you will be missed legends never die 🌹

[FishingtheSkyxd]

wow he is so pretty. and eloquent and soft spoken. the fact that he kept his cancer a secret just says so much about his humble character

rest in peace paul. thank you for your art ❤

[tshandy]

He was a comedic genius who struck gold with his on-stage persona, Pee Wee Herman, a character who made Saturday morning television fun, even for adults.

[SunyCartoons]

I feel like Paul Reubens is very underrated. Like I think folks forget he was in quite a lot of things playing various characters. Obviously I love Pee Wee, but Paul is more than that.

[regs]

It’s really nice to see Paul Reubens as himself. Not take anything away from Peewee, but I think very few of his fans ever got to know him as Paul Reubens.

[laurih.t.]

This is the first interview I've seen Paul being Paul and makes me love him even more. He was very soft spoken, he draws you in to listen to his every word, with his easy like-ability, almost melodic soft voice, very calming and a surprise almost. 😄 What a treasure and will live on in all our hearts who loved him. ❤

[iluvmyboba]

There was something about his eyes. They were dark brown and dramatic. You dont come across people with eyes like that' every day. Rest in Peace, Paul Reubens. I'll never forget my brother and I watching "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" back in the day and just cracking up throughout the whole thing. Thanks for the laughs.

[BeerMaster]

Wow. He's such a different person in this interview. Calm and chill. Pleasant to be with.

[jgionti]

He has been adored by multiple generations. RIP Pee Wee. You’re legend will never die

[boomboxmartian]

Man, what a gift to my childhood. Thanks Paul. Rest easy.

[CharlieHernandez-zyci]

Love it. He will be missed . I was fortunate enough to get to know him and he was just a down to earth guy.

[normaornelas]

RIP LEGEND!
I’m sad to know that my son will live in a world without you but proud of the legacy you have left behind for him to see ! I will forever love you Paul Reubens💜