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Lynne Marie Stewart, the TV actress best known for her roles on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” has died. She was 78.

Stewart’s death was confirmed by her friend Cassandra Peterson on Instagram.

“My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing,” Peterson wrote. “One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland’.”

In July 2024 Stewart told People she visited Paul Reubens before his death in 2023 and the pair reminisced about their series.

“I got to be in the hospital with him,” she explained. “He said, I have loved deeply, and I’ve been loved in return. I said, ‘Paul, you’re loved all over the world.’ And I was so glad to be able to tell him that.”

“He was funny to the end,...

Lynne Marie Stewart, who had supporting turns in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” has died, her friend Cassandra Peterson confirmed via Instagram Friday. She was 78.

A lifelong Los Angeles native, Stewart began her career in comedy as part of the Hollywood-based sketch group “The Groundlings,” where she met Peterson and future “Pee-wee” co-star Paul Reubens.

Her early television career included roles as several different nurses on “M*A*S*H”, a guest spot on “Night Court” and a slew of recurring roles on “Laverne & Shirley.” In 1973, she had a brief role as a driver in “American Graffiti,” and in 1987 she appeared in the Arnold Schwarzenegger thriller “The Running Man.”

Stewart was best known for her role as Miss Yvonne, “the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland,” first originated in the 1981 Broadway stage version of “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” She would continue in the role across film and television, playing Miss...

Lynne Marie Stewart, the actress known for roles in Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. She was 78.

Elvira star Cassandra Peterson was one of several to pay tribute to the actress Friday on Instagram after coming up together at The Groundlings in Los Angeles and appearing in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and The Elvira Show (1993) together.

“My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing,” wrote Peterson on Instagram. “One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.'”

Born Dec. 14, 1946 in L.A., Stewart was a member of The Groundlings in the ’70s, where she met Peterson, Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman.

Stewart was most known and beloved for playing Miss Yvonne and other roles in Reubens’ Pee-wee franchise,...

Lynne Marie Stewart, best known for her role as Miss Yvonne in Pee-wee's Playhouse and other projects featuring Paul Reubens' Pee-wee Herman, has passed away. She was 78 years old.

The news of Stewart's passing was announced by Cassandra Peterson, better known by her Elvira persona, in a post on Instagram. Peterson, who was friends with Stewart, shared an image with the caption noting, "My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be 'the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.'”

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark (@therealelvira)

Stewart appeared in Peterson's 1988 film, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, and she'd later reunite with Peterson for The Elvira Show in 1993. In the image posted, Peterson and...

Bob Yerkes, the acrobatic stunt performer who slid down a clock tower cable for Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future and hung around the Statue of Liberty under repair for Fred Ward in Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, has died. He was 92.

Yerkes died Tuesday of natural causes in Northridge, Darlene Ava Williams, a stunt performer and one of his many mentees, announced.

The amiable Yerkes, who started out in the circus and was a skilled trapeze aerialist and tightrope walker, also plummeted from a helicopter through a roof in Breakout (1975), starring Charles Bronson.

“I was getting ready for the stunt and the guy said, ‘Break a Leg!,” and I broke them both,” he recalled in a 2017 interview. He said he also broke legs while working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Her Alibi (1989), but, in a career that spanned eight decades, that was the extent of his serious injuries.

Kris Kristofferson, the legendary country star turned superstar actor, has passed away at 88. No cause of death has yet been revealed, but Kristofferson retired from public life in 2021. While some of you reading this may know him best for playing Whistler in the Blade trilogy, his career goes much deeper than that, making him one of the most fascinating pop culture icons of his time.

Before he ever became an actor, Kristofferson was famous as a writer of country hits, including the immortal “Me and Bobby McGee,” later launching his own recording career, which included multiple Grammy wins and Gold records. But, even before that, he was quite accomplished, being a former Rhodes Scholar and captain in the U.S. Army. He famously turned down a teaching job (in English Lit) at West Point to focus on his musical career. He was seen as one of the leading figures in the Outlaw Country movement,...

Kris Kristofferson, known for his accomplishments in country music along with his acting career, has died. He was 88 years old.

Per Variety, Kristofferson died at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday. No additional information has yet been revealed concerning the cause of his death, but it was reported that Kristofferson was surrounded by loving family at the time. A statement has also been released by his family to confirm Kristofferson's passing. The joint statement as written on behalf of his wife, Lisa, along with his eight children, as well as seven grandchildren.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28 at home," the statement reads. "Were all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know hes smiling down at us all.

Reagan is a historical biopic that recounts the turbulent life of President Ronald Reagan, from his rise through the Hollywood industry to his appointment as President of the United States. Reagan has been played on-screen by multiple actors in several different projects throughout the years, but Reagan aims to dissect the man behind the president, telling the story of glitz and glamor thats often forgotten when discussing his politics.

The film features an A-list cast of recognizable faces who bring this fascinating story to life with bold, audacious performances that give Reagan a very distinct style. Its not as overtly dramatic and intense as other biopics like JFK - instead, it adopts a more lighthearted and sensational tone to reflect the unique atmosphere of Reagans time in office. Movies about US Presidents are becoming more and more common, with The Apprentice famously depicting the wild life of Donald Trump, but...

It was Paul Reubens’ second turn at bat.

The actor, then 35, had already rocketed to fame as Pee-wee Herman, the bicycle-obsessed man-child from 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure — the feature debut from Tim Burton, who is back in cinemas this weekend with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

For his sophomore outing, 1988’s Big Top Pee-wee, Reubens relocated his alter ego from suburbia to a pastoral setting, where Pee-wee cared for talking animals while working on cutting-edge agricultural experiments like hot dog trees.

Burton did not return to direct; instead it was Randal Kleiser behind the camera, back at Paramount for the first time since directing the studio’s 1978 smash, Grease.

“I had a ball making that movie,” says Penelope Ann Miller, who played Pee-wee’s fiancé Winnie, on THR‘s It Happened in Hollywood podcast. “I loved Winnie, the prude little school teacher, who wouldn’t let him touch her and loved egg salad,...

Fantastic Fest 2024, celebrating their 19th edition from September 19 – September 26, 2024 at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX, has unveiled its lineup. Highlights include the U.S. premiere of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud, Alexandre Aja’s Never Let Go, Nacho Vigalondo’s Daniela Forever, Sean Baker’s Anora, the world premiere of Terrifier 3, and much more.

“The Fantastic Fest team is absolutely elated about this year’s festival. We can’t wait to share the very best new films from around the world and enjoy our sensational events together this September,” says Festival Director Lisa Dreyer. “We’re also honored to be joined by a number of notable guests, and welcome our Fantastic Fest family back to Austin to celebrate cinema, whether it’s your 1st time or 19th!”

See the features lineup below.

Aj Goes To The Dog Park (Burnt Ends Selection)

USA, 2024

World Premiere, 79 min

Director – Toby Jones...

The 2024 Fantastic Fest lineup is ushering in spooky season.

IndieWire can announce the full program for the 19th edition of the beloved genre festival. This year, the festival features 28 World Premieres, 23 International and North American Premieres, and 15 U.S. Premieres, including the highly-anticipated releases of “Rosemary’s Baby” prequel “Apartment 7A” and “Terrifier 3.”

Fantastic Fest will take place at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX, from September 19 through 26. The festival will open with the world premiere of “The Rule of Jenny Pen,” which stars Geoffrey Rush stars as a judge that encounters a bizarre nursing home resident (John Lithgow) who is hellbent on terrorizing the patients.

The Opening Night gala will include “Terrifier 3” and Lionsgate’s horror psychological thriller “Never Let Go” starring Halle Berry and produced by 21 Laps. The film is directed by Alexandre Aja and is a classic home invasion thriller with a supernatural twist.

Fantastic Fest is nearly here.

One of the very best, most underrated film festivals of the year, which takes place annually at a single movie theater in Austin, Texas (that’d be the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar), returns on Sept. 19. And ahead of the genre film festival, we’ve got the full lineup, which includes 28 world premieres, 23 international and North American premieres, and 15 U.S. premieres. (You can see the full list below.)

Among the movies playing at Fantastic Fest are “Never Let Go,” the new supernatural thriller from Alexandre Aja and actress Halle Berry; “Apartment 7A,” the “Rosemary’s Baby” prequel from Paramount; the Palme d’Or-winning thriller “Anora” from Sean Baker; A24’s bizarro “A Different Man;” and DreamWorks Animation’s beautiful, touching “The Wild Robot.” Other animated offerings include “Memoir of a Snail” from “Mary and Max” filmmaker Adam Elliot, and “Spermageddon” from “Violent Night” filmmaker Tommy Wirkola.

Fantastic Fest, the country’s largest genre film festival, has unveiled the feature lineup for its 19th edition, taking place at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX, from September 19th- 26th.

Featuring 28 World Premieres, 23 International and North American Premieres, and 15 U.S. Premieres, the fest opens with the world premiere of James Ashcroft’s The Rule of Jenny Pen, a new thriller starring John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush. Lionsgate’s horror thriller Never Let Go will be presented during the opening night gala, with director Alexandre Aja, star Halle Berry and the team from 21 Laps in attendance. Meanwhile, opening night will also feature the world premiere of Terrifier 3, the latest film in Damien Leone’s horror franchise, centered on the horrifying Art the Clown.

Other notable titles set to screen include Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television’s House of Spoils, starring Ariana DeBose; Shudder’s V/H/S/Beyond...

Quick Links Movies Coming to Paramount+ Movies Coming to Disney+ Watch These Movies on Max Movies Coming to Prime Video Movies Coming to Shudder Movies Coming to Hulu Movies Coming to Netflix

Every month, we see a slew of new movie releases, either theatrically or on streaming platforms, which have grown abundant. While most of us are aware of upcoming theatrical releases, not everyone is conscious of films that will be released on streaming services. To help you with that, we've compiled a list of every movie coming to major streaming services in July 2024, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and others.

Movies Coming to Paramount+

Paramount Pictures/Columbia Pictures/Fox Searchlight Pictures

Here's every movie coming to Paramount+ in July 2024:

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate July 1

American History X July 1

Big Top Pee-Wee July 1

Blades of Glory July 1

Blue Chips July 1

Caddyshack July 1

Charlie's Angels July...

Matt Sweeney, a pioneering special effects artist who was Oscar-nominated for his work on Ron Howard’s 1995 space epic Apollo 13, died February 19 of lung cancer at Burbank’s Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. He was 75.

His death was announced by the Alliance of Special Effects & Pyrotechnic Operators board of directors. Sweeney was a founder and past president of the trade organization.

“A special effects guru, industry legend, Asepo founding member and past president, recipient of three technical achievement awards, and Oscar nominee, Matt is well recognized for his generous spirit and deep love of his craft,” the board said in a statement posted on social media. “He etched his marks on this crazy business in so many ways that will persist long after all of us are gone. He never quit, even after his retirement.”

Sweeney, whose roster of special effects credits stretches back to such 1980s hits as 9 to 5, The Goonies,...

Matt Sweeney, the inventor and special effects artist who received an Oscar nomination for his work on Apollo 13 and three Technical Achievement Awards during his long career, has died. He was 75.

Sweeney died Monday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after a long battle with lung cancer, Dave Burle, who worked alongside Sweeney at his company for many years, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Sweeney also handled effects for films in the Lethal Weapon and Fast & Furious franchise and for 1941 (1979), 9 to 5 (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Goonies (1985), The Color Purple (1985), The Lost Boys (1987), Big Top Pee-wee (1988), Arachnophobia (1990), Natural Born Killers (1994) and Galaxy Quest (1999), among many other movies.

Sweeney won his Technical Achievement Awards in 1987 for an Automatic Capsule Gun, which simulates bullet hits and is known as the “Sweeney Gun”; in 1998 for a Liquid Synthetic Air system, which mixes liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen to produce safe,...

Debra Hill is best known for producing and co-writing the 1978 classic Halloween, but she went on to produce more than thirty more films after that one, including the first two Halloween sequels, The Fog, Escape from New York and Escape from L.A., The Dead Zone, Clue, Adventures in Babysitting, Big Top Pee-wee, The Fisher King, Crazy in Alabama, World Trade Center, and the films that made up the Rebel Highway series, among others. Now Hill’s career is being celebrated with the documentary Hollywood Trailblazer: The Debra Hill Story – and it’s being executive produced by Halloween (and Halloween II and The Fog) star Jamie Lee Curtis!

Deadline reports that Hollywood Trailblazer is coming our way from Causeway Pictures and is currently in production. Directed by Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick, the documentary is being produced by McGoldrick and Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures. In addition to Curtis, the executive...

Martial arts B-movie stars like Matthias Hues, Loren Avedon, and Richard Norton have gained notoriety through their roles in low-budget films. These underground heavy hitters have appeared in iconic martial arts movies like The King of Kickboxers, Cage, and City Hunter. While some stars, like Billy Blanks and Jeff Speakman, have had success outside of the genre, their careers as B-movie stars still deliver exhilarating action.

There are many martial arts B-movie stars whose work should not go unnoticed by those action films. In the long history of martial arts movies, many of the biggest stars of the genre have become household names, including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, in the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, many other martial artists have also cultivated sizable followings without making it quite as big as the genre's most well-known stars.

Some...

Paul Reubens’ cause of death has been revealed months following his death in July.

The late actor died from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, according to his death certificate that People obtained and his rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter Saturday. The condition happens when the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body.

Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, died in Los Angeles at the age of 70. He had also been battling two types of cancer for several years prior to his death, his rep said.

“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,” a statement read at the time of his death. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.

The Cabazon Dinosaur Park feature in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure honored lead actor Paul Reubens with a new paint job for one of its dinosaurs.

The park, which features two massive dinosaur statues, gave its iconic 65-foot T. rex (named Mr. Rex) a new paint job based on Pee-Wee's outfit from the film. The statue, which is normally a bright green color, now "wears" a light gray suit and red bowtie, with a heart and Pee-Wee's name written on its chest. The Cabazon Dinosaurs website issued a statement honoring the late performer: "Pee-wee lives on, just the way he would have wanted... with love, laughter and kindness."

Related: Tim Burton Memorializes Late Pee-wee Herman Actor Paul Reubens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cabazon Dinosaurs (@cabazondinosaurs)

Mr. Rex's new paint job came just days after Paul Reubens, who played Pee-Wee Herman in two television shows and three feature-length films,...

A gigantic model dinosaur seen in Pee-wee's Big Adventure has been repainted in honor of Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens.

This week, it was announced that Reubens, who'd been portraying the Pee-wee Herman character for more than four decades, had passed away. The news was immediately met with shock and grief, as fans and friends pay tribute to Reubens in the days after his passing. One touching tribute was done by way of painting one of the Cabazon Dinosaurs, which were two gargantuan dinosaurs visited by Pee-wee Herman in his first feature film. On the official Instagram page for the real-life roadside attraction, images were shared revealing how Mr. Rex has been given a Pee-wee Herman outfit, along with a red heart expressing love for Reubens.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cabazon Dinosaurs (@cabazondinosaurs)

Pee-wee's Big Adventure director Tim Burton would also speak about...

Tim Burton remembers Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens as the star who gave him his start in Hollywood.

The legendary director behind Batman and Edward Scissorhands took to Instagram to pay tribute to Reubens, who passed away at age 70 following a private six-year battle with cancer. "Shocked and saddened," Burton said. "I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him."

Related: Beetlejuice 2: Tim Burton Sequel Adds Willem Dafoe, Shooting Is Already Underway

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tim Burton (@timburton)

In the early '80s, Burton was working at Walt Disney as a concept artist on such classics as Tron and The Black Cauldron. But the filmmaker made his initial impact as a stop-motion animator for the short films Vincent and Frankenweenie.

With the sudden passing of actor Paul Reubens after a private battle with cancer, the outpouring across the country and the world has been comforting, to say the least. Reubens will always be most associated with Pee-wee Herman, the character he created and developed when he was a part of the world-famous comedy troupe The Groundlings during the late '70s. As Pee-wee became more entrenched into our own cultural fabric and "Pee-wee's Playhouse" hit the airwaves every Saturday morning, a generation of '80s kids fell in love with him.

With Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and its sequel "Big Top Pee-wee," Reubens carved out a franchise of his very own during the same decade where the original "Star Wars" trilogy completely dominated the box office. For fans of George Lucas' space opera, Reubens wasn't just known as the lovable, eccentric children's host from television. He was also the voice of Rex,...

It says everything about who Paul Reubens was – and just how much of the curtain surrounding him he was comfortable opening – that the obituaries marking the brilliant 70-year-old comedian’s death Sunday night make his name inseparable from that of his most-famous character creation, Pee-wee Herman. It’s not “Paul Reubens” but “Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman” or “a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman.” The man would have been honored that this was his legacy, as he always seemed much more comfortable being the bizarro dude with the signature flattop haircut, grey plaid suit and small red bowtie. I mean, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame reads “Pee-wee Herman” and not “Paul Reubens.” If we’re judging success based purely on how inextricably linked our identity is to a fictitious persona we created, that must be a grand slam.

Reubens died after what was termed “a private bout with cancer.

It was the laugh that got you first: A staccato giggle combined with what sounded like a T. rex’s roar. If you watch The Pee-wee Herman Show, the HBO special taken from Paul Reubens’ 1981 stage show that — along with a handful of appearances on Late Night with David Letterman — introduced this hyperactive goofball to a larger audience, you actually hear that arrrgghhhh–heh-heh-heh-heh-heh before you see him. And then, when Herman pokes his head through a window and bursts through a jagged front door (if the set looks like...

Comedian Patton Oswalt once staged an imaginary conversation between himself and filmmaker George Lucas prior to the release of  "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." The film, Oswalt complained, filled in the backstories of characters he never wanted to know the backstories for. "You like Darth Vader?" the imaginary 1998 Lucas said. Yes, Oswalt responded, he loves Darth Vader. "Well now you get to see him as a little kid," Lucas replied. Oswalt was nonplussed by this news. "I don't care about where the stuff I love comes from!" he yelled. "I just love the stuff I love!" 

It's been aggressively de rigueur to explore pop figures' origins since at least the release of "Batman Begins" in 2005, and one needn't think too hard to cite myriad examples of insufferable cinematic "how they came to be" tales ever since. This approach can be fun, of course, but it ignores a...

Paul Reubens is being remembered by many in Hollywood, including some of his nearest and dearest, following his death on Sunday from cancer at the age of 70.

S. Epatha Merkerson worked alongside Reubens in the hit children’s series Pee-Wee’s Playhouse which ran from 1986 to 1990. Merkerson, who currently stars in the hit Dick Wolf series for NBC Chicago Med, portrayed Reba the Mail Lady in 16 episodes.

L to R Lynne Marie Stewart, Paul Reubens (as Pee-Wee Herman), S. Epatha Merkerson

“I always called him Pablo. I will truly miss my friend,” Merkerson told Deadline via email about Reubens on Monday. “We met at my audition for Pee-wee’s Playhouse. I did not know of the character…my nephew Sean told me who he was. However, when I walked into the audition I was introduced to a man named Paul Reubens in cut-off jeans, with long hair and a goatee. He looked like a 60s reject!

Forget the pleasantries, today sucks. Paul Reubens, best known for his incomparable work as Pee-wee Herman, has passed away. The weird, wacky, and wonderful comedy figure is one of the most influential creatives ever to do it, and left in his wake is an irreplaceable void of silly, absurdist joy. Reubens' created the character of Pee-wee Herman while performing with The Groundlings, the legendary improvisational comedy troupe boasting alumni like Laraine Newman, Pat Morita, Craig T. Nelson, Jon Lovitz, Adrienne Barbeau, Conan O'Brien, Phil Hartman, Phil Lamarr, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Coolidge, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Annie Mumolo, Kaitlin Olson, Edi Patterson, Tony Cavalero, and a ridiculous number of other eventual "Saturday Night Live" players.

Pee-wee Herman was an immediate hit and led to Reubens writing, producing, directing, and starring in "The Pee-wee Herman Show." He quickly became a household name, and the Pee-wee character would get another show,...

Hollywood stars are reacting to the the news of Paul Reubens’ death. The late actor known for playing Pee-wee Herman on stage, television and film died Monday at age 70. His death was announced on his official Facebook page revealing that the actor had cancer for years, a diagnosis he had not shared publicly.

“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,” a statement read. “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.”

A statement from Reubens was also shared with the announcement, in which the late actor said,...

The late, great comedian Paul Reubens first started developing his popular Pee-wee Herman character while working for the Groundlings, a comedy troupe in Los Angeles. They famously encouraged comedians to invent wild, outsize characters that would provide comedy in any situation they entered. Reubens' Pee-wee character caught the attention of the local -- then the national -- comedy scene, leading to a long-running live show. Eventually, Pee-wee became the star of three feature films. Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" was released in 1985, Randal Kleiser's "Big Top Pee-wee" was released in 1988, and John Lee's "Pee-wee's Big Holiday" was released on Netflix in 2016. 

The third of those films came after Reubens had experienced multiple career highs and lows, having starred in a hit TV series, then having retreated from the public eye in the 1990s because of a very public arrest. Reubens returned to film in a big way...

Tributes poured in Monday after it was revealed that Paul Reubens, the actor who made Pee-wee Herman famous, died after a private battle with cancer. He was 70.

Reubens turned Pee-wee into a one-man franchise, from the influential kids TV show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse through three feature films — 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, 1998’s Big Top Pee-wee and the 2016 Netflix pic Pee-wee’s Big Holiday — and even a Broadway play.

He also appeared on everything from Mystery Men (as Spleen) to Murphy Brown, and stole scenes in the likes of Batman Returns and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

“Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote today. “He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”

Said Danny DeVito: “Really loved working with him.

Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens has died at age 70 after a private battle with cancer.

The star passed away on Sunday night, with the sad news being revealed on social media Monday.

A quote from Reubens read, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.

“I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman)

The caption confirmed, “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.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.

Actor and comedian Paul Reubens, who portrayed the beloved Pee-wee Herman character for over four decades, has died.

On the official Facebook account for Pee-wee Herman, it was announced that Reubens had died at the age of 70. The announcement notes that Reubens had been privately battling cancer, ultimately passing on the evening of July 30. Along with the statement announcing Reubens' death was another penned by the comedian personally, in which he posthumously apologized for keeping his cancer battle a secret from his fans.

Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved... Posted by Pee-wee Herman on Monday, July 31, 2023

"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 official announcement reads.

Comedy icon Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, has passed away from cancer. Reubens apologized for not going public with his illness sooner and expressed his love for his fans and the art he created. In lieu of sympathy, Reubens requested donations to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer's care to honor his late parents.

Comedy icon Paul Reubens has passed away. Reubens was best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, a character he debuted on stage as a member of The Groundlings. Reubens appeared as Pee-wee in many different mediums, including talk shows, several episodes of The Dating Game, the CBS series Pee-wee's Playhouse, Tim Burton's 1985 Pee-wee's Big Adventure, and its sequel Big Top Pee-wee.

A statement from Reubens was posted on his official Pee-wee Herman Instagram account on July 31.

View this post on Instagram A post shared...

In the 1980s, Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman was an icon. Created at The Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, the character became wildly popular thanks to the Tim Burton movie “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The Saturday morning series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” made the character a beloved companion for kids. It won 15 Emmys during its 5-season run.

Reubens died Sunday night after a private battle with cancer. The entertainer was 70.

In a statement published after his death, Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

To celebrate this unique performer, check out these career highlights, many of which can be streamed for free.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure July 26, 1985

The eccentric and childish Pee-wee...

“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens,” a statement on the official Pee-wee Herman Facebook page this afternoon begins, announcing the passing of the beloved performer.

The statement continues, “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.”

An actor, comedian, writer and producer, Paul Reubens is best known for playing the character Pee-wee Herman, which began with a live stage show titled “The Pee-wee Herman Show” in the early 1980s. The popularity of the show led to the Tim Burton-directed feature film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in 1985, which spawned a follow-up movie (Big Top Pee-wee in 1988) as well as the Saturday morning TV show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” from 1986 through 1990. Reubens reprised the...

Today’s secret word is sadness! Paul Reubens, the gifted actor and comedian best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman, died on Sunday at 70. According to Reubens’ estate, the red bowtie-loving ball of energy passed away after a private battle with cancer.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in an Instagram message posted to fans. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

“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,” wrote Reubens’ estate in an Instagram post “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for...

Paul Reubens, known best by his character name Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday after a private six-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote on an Instagram message posted today. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

The post’s caption, written by his estate, reads: “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. 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...

Paul Reubens, who disappeared behind a tight gray suit and bright red bow tie to create and star as the awkward man-child Pee-wee Herman onstage, on a groundbreaking kids TV show and on the big screen, has died. He was 70.

His death in Los Angeles was announced Monday on his official Facebook page.

“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,” a statement read. “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.”

Reubens created Pee-wee (named for a brand of harmonica he had when...

Paul Reubens, the actor who portrayed beloved character Pee-wee Herman that amused kids and adults of multiple generations, died on Sunday night at the age of 70. The cause of death was an unspecified cancer.

“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,” a post on the actor’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts read.

“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer...

Paul Reubens, the creator of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” who starred in several projects as the goofy, child-like Pee-wee Herman including 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” has died at age 70, his estate said Monday.

“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,” his estate posted to Facebook.

“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,” the post continued.

The actor wrote a posthumous statement explaining why he chose not to disclose his cancer diagnosis. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.

Paul Reubens, the actor best known for portraying the irrepressible, joyfully childlike Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday night after a private bout of cancer. He was 70.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” wrote Reubens in a statement posted to Instagram after his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

The Pee-wee Herman character was known for his bright red bowtie, grey suit and flattop haircut, and delivered his well-known catchphrases like “I know you are, but what am I?” in a distinctive squeaky, high-pitched voice.

“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,...

With its list of new releases for July 2023, Prime Video is going to help you stay safe from the oppressive July sun.

Highlighting the Amazon Originals on the TV side this month are two heavy hitters. The first is The Horror of Dolores Roach on July 7. Based on a podcast of the same name, this series could best be described as a modern day Sweeney Todd? Why, you ask? Well you know why. Think about it. Then season 2 of Neil Gaiman adaptation Good Omens premieres on July 28. This season will follow angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and demon Crowley (David Tenant) as they seek to keep the Archangel Gabriel (Jon Hamm) away from both heaven and hell.

There aren’t any Amazon Original movies of note this month and that’s alright as the influx of library titles is more than enough. July 1 sees the arrival of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, No Country for Old Men,...

While summer starts in June, things truly heat up in July, and that includes all the hot new drops on streamers. Amazon’s Prime Video has refreshed its slate of content with over 60 new movies, like Bradley Cooper’s “A Star Is Born” and the 1973 animated adaption of the children’s book “Charlotte’s Web.”

Prime Video kicks off the start of the month with Doug McHenry’s “Jason’s Lyric,” “Father of the Bride,” and “Little Nicky.”

Plus, if you’re a Reese Witherspoon fan, Prime Video sets you up with her very first film and her breakout role as Dani in “Man in the Moon.” And the entire “Legally Blonde” trilogy is also available, for those who bend and snap.

Prime Video is also giving watchers some ultimate film classics like “Free Willy,” ”Gladiator,” and “Dances With Wolves.”

Last but absolutely not least, Season 2 of “Good Omens” will land on...

The highly anticipated spy thriller “Special Ops: Lioness” arrives on Paramount+ on July 23. The original series from Taylor Sheridan is based on a true story and stars Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman. De Oliveira plays a CIA undercover operative, a “lioness,” charged with befriending someone close to a high-value enemy target, a key member of a state terrorist organization.

Catch the “Special Ops: Lioness” trailer

Also coming to Paramount+ next month will be a reunion filled with humor and romance. New film “Zoey 102” will premiere on July 28 and reunite many of the cast members from the beloved high-school series “Zoey 101.” The gang is getting back together in Malibu to attend Logan and Quinn’s wedding, but that is not the only romance in the air. Jamie Lynn Spears, Sean Flynn, Christopher Massey, Erin Sanders, and Abby Wilde star in the sequel film.

Watch...

Prime Video has adapted the one-woman podcast “Empanada Loca” into a new series. “The Horror of Dolores Roach” will begin streaming on the service on July 7. Buckle up, because this one is gruesome. Roach (Justina Machado) returns to a gentrified Washington Heights after a long prison sentence and works as a masseuse in the basement of a friend’s empanada shop. But when her security is threatened, Roach is driven to extremes to survive.

Watch “The Horror of Dolores Roach” trailer:

Season 2 of “Good Omens” also will premiere on Prime Video in July. Arriving July 28, the series focuses on the friendship between Aziraphale (Michael Sheen), a fussy angel and rare-book dealer, and the snarky demon Crowley (David Tennant). While the Apocalypse has been averted, the pair are back living their lives in London, until the archangel Gabriel shows up. The series is based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Prime Video has no shortage of shows or movies arriving in September. The biggest new show on the block for Amazon Studios is “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” which is a prequel based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien that’s set thousands of years before the events of “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings.” Several new 2022 films will be available on the streamer as well: including Channing Tatum’s “Dog,” Michael Bay’s “Ambulance,” Zac Efron’s “Firestarter,” Dylan O’Brien’s “The Outfit,” and more.

Noteworthy library titles arriving this month include “Fight Club” (1999), “Legally Blonde” (2001) and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991).

Here’s everything new on Amazon Prime Video and Freevee in September.

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With its list of new releases for September 2022, Prime Video is finally unveiling the most anticipated (and expensive) series in the streamer’s history.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will arrive to Prime Video’s servers on Sept. 2, 2022. This Lord of the Rings prequel, set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age, is in many ways the kind of TV property that Prime Video must have always wanted. It’s certainly the TV property most fitting with the company’s largesse and riches. The Rings of Power will cover the creation of the titular rings and many important events from Tolkien’s lore (condensed into a more TV-appropriate timeframe).

Middle-earth is going to be the happening spot on Amazon and the streaming world at large this month, but Prime Video does have a handful of other originals for the fantasy-phobic. Flight/Risk, a documentary about the Boeing 737 Max design disasters,...

When you’re a streaming service, there’s only one way to celebrate the New Year. And that’s by IP mining to bring back a franchise that had no business in coming back!

With its list of new releases for January 2022, Hulu is raiding CBS’s closet and premiering How I Met Your Father, a continuation of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Complaints about unnecessary rebooting aside, perhaps its worth giving the Hillary Duff starring series a chance. If nothing else, telling a story about 2022 from a future perspective might play well.

Aside from Himyf, there aren’t any other Hulu original series to speak of. Instead, Hulu is opting to once again beef up its film library. January 1 sees the arrival of Master and Commander, Seven, and a whole bunch of Star Treks. Hulu will also be the streaming home of some recently released film Indies,...

Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”

It’s official! Charlize Theron tells me that the script is done for the sequel to “The Old Guard,” her Netflix film adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name. Cameras will start rolling in the first quarter of 2022. The gay couple, played by Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli, will be back, too. “Oh, yeah!” Theron says. “They’re definitely there.” Meanwhile, Vin Diesel tells me that he has writers working on a “Fast & Furious” spinoff for Theron’s character, Cipher. One thing the Oscar winner won’t be doing is guest hosting “The Bachelor.” You’d think producers of the romance reality show would have asked Theron, an unabashed and vocal fan of the franchise. “They have not, goddamn it,” she cracked at her Africa Outreach Project benefit. Would she do it? “No!” she said. “I’d make a terrible host.