Paul Reubens Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What was Paul Reubens’ Net Worth and Salary?

At the time of his passing, Paul Reubens, widely recognized as “Pee-wee Herman,” held a net worth of $5 million. The American comedian, actor, and television personality died on July 31, 2023, at the age of 70. He gained fame for portraying Pee-wee Herman, a whimsical and eccentric man-child that he first introduced in the late 1970s with The Groundlings, a comedy troupe known for improvisation and sketch performance.

In 1981, Reubens evolved the Pee-wee character into a cult stage production called “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which was subsequently adapted into an HBO special. This success paved the way for the children’s television series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” (1986-1990) and feature films including “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) and “Big Top Pee-wee” (1988). His work in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” earned him an Emmy Award in 1987.

Reubens’ career extended beyond Pee-wee, with appearances in notable films like “Batman Returns” (1992), “Mystery Men” (1999), and “Blow” (2001), along with television programs such as “30 Rock” and “Black Mirror.” Despite facing a few controversies in his personal life, he was cherished for his creativity and commitment to his art.

Early Life

Born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, Paul Reubens grew up in Sarasota, Florida, where his parents, Judy (née Rosen) and Milton Rubenfeld, operated a lamp store. He was raised alongside two younger siblings, Abby and Luke. Milton, his father, had a background as an automobile salesman and had served as a pilot for the British Royal Air Force and U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II; he was also one of the founding pilots of the Israeli Air Force. Reubens’ childhood was filled with visits to circus performances by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose winter headquarters were in Sarasota, which fostered his interest in entertainment and influenced his unique style.

Reubens attended Sarasota High School, where he actively engaged in theater and became president of the National Thespian Society. He was accepted into a summer program for talented high school students at Northwestern University and later pursued his college education at Boston University. After facing rejections from esteemed acting schools such as Juilliard and Carnegie-Mellon, he relocated to California to attend the California Institute of the Arts. During this period, he worked in restaurant kitchens, sold Fuller Brush products, and performed at local comedy clubs throughout the 1970s, spending six years as a member of The Groundlings improvisational comedy group.

Early Pee-Wee Herman

The creation of “Pee-Wee Herman” took place during a 1978 improvisational workshop with The Groundlings. This character is inspired by the concept of an aspiring comic who lacks the skill to deliver jokes effectively, making it apparent that success is unlikely. Reubens developed Pee-wee’s distinctive style of speaking in 1970 while portraying an obnoxious character in a production of “Life with Father.” The name “Pee-Wee” originates from the Pee Wee brand harmonica, while “Herman” was borrowed from a childhood acquaintance of Reubens.

Television Success

Reubens initially auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” during the 1980-1981 season but lost the role to Gilbert Gottfried, who shared a similar comedic style and had a close connection to one of the show’s producers. Disappointed by the rejection, Reubens secured a loan to launch his own show in Los…Based on the Pee-Wee Herman character, Reubens found his beginnings in Los Angeles with support from fellow Groundlings, including John Paragon, Phil Hartman, and Lynne Marie Stewart. His show, “The Pee-Wee Herman Show,” captivated audiences at The Roxy Theatre for five months, featuring midnight performances for adults and matinee shows for children. In 1981, HBO expanded his reach by airing “The Pee-Wee Herman Show” as part of their “On Location” series. As Pee-Wee’s fame escalated, Reubens made a strategic decision to appear publicly and conduct interviews in character, marketing the persona as Pee-Wee rather than as himself, aiming to create the illusion that Pee-Wee was a real individual. His continued appearances on platforms such as “Late Night with David Letterman” in the mid-1980s, along with nationwide performances of “The Pee-Wee Herman Show,” significantly bolstered his popularity and accomplishments.

Film Success

Due to the success and acclaim of “The Pee-Wee Herman Show,” Warner Bros. sought Reubens to create a full-length film featuring the character. “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) depicts Pee-Wee’s cross-country quest to retrieve his stolen bicycle. After witnessing Tim Burton’s work on “Vincent” (1982) and “Frankenweenie” (1984), Reubens and the film’s producers selected him as the director. The film proved to be an enormous success, earning over $40 million domestically from a modest budget of $7 million. Even though the critical reception was mixed, the film has gained a cult status over time. In 1986, CBS approached Reubens to develop a live-action children’s program, where he not only acted but also took on roles as producer and director. “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” which aired from 1986 to 1990, had a budget of $325,000 per episode, drawing in both a young audience and many adult fans.

1991 Arrest and Comeback

As many are aware, Paul Reubens experienced a significant career disruption in 1991 following his arrest in Florida on the charge of indecent exposure. This incident tarnished his previously pristine image, leading CBS to remove reruns of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse from its schedule.

Over time, he managed to reinvigorate his career through appearances in films like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992), “Matilda” (1996), “Mystery Men” (1999), and “Blow” (2001). He also secured a recurring role in the widely acclaimed sitcom “Murphy Brown.”

In 2010, he brought the character of Pee-Wee back to Broadway in “The Pee-Wee Herman Show.”

The following year, he lent his voice to Jokey in the hit family comedy “The Smurfs” and continued to work on its sequel released in 2013.

In 2016, Netflix premiered “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.”

Personal Life

Besides his 1991 arrest, Herman also faced legal trouble in 1971 when he was arrested for loitering and prowling, though those charges were eventually dropped. In 1983, he received a two-year probation for marijuana possession. Furthermore, in 2002, he was charged with possessing obscene materials that allegedly depicted sexual conduct involving minors, a claim he disputed, asserting that the items found in his home were simply part of his vintage erotica collection.

Real Estate

In 1985, Paul used the earnings from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” to purchase a 3,000-square-foot home on 1.4 acres in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood for $415,000. This house would serve as his primary residence for the next forty years. In May 2024, Paul’s estate listed the home for just under $5 million, ultimately selling in July 2024 for $3.8 million.