Paul Reubens Net Worth, Pee-Wee Herman Salary, Age, Bio
Best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens net worth was $5 million at the time of his passing in 2023. Reubens gained widespread fame in the 1980s with the success of his character through stage shows, television series, and films, notably “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” His career also included various roles in films and TV shows outside of the Pee-wee persona. Despite some legal and personal challenges, Reubens maintained a significant legacy in entertainment.
Who is Paul Reubens?
Paul Reubens was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman. Born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, Reubens developed the Pee-wee Herman character during the late 1970s as part of a stage show with the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe The Groundlings.
The character’s childlike persona, combined with his unique voice and quirky humor, quickly became popular, leading to a successful stage show, a children’s television series titled “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and several films, including the 1985 hit “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton.
Reubens’ career was marked by both success and controversy, including a widely publicized arrest in 1991. Despite this, he made a comeback in the entertainment industry and continued to be a beloved figure in pop culture. Paul Reubens passed away on July 30, 2023, after a private battle with cancer.
Quick Information about Paul Reubens
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Paul Rubenfeld |
| Nick Name | Paul Reubens |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Peekskill, New York, USA |
| Age | 70 years old (at the time of passing in 2023) |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $5 million (at the time of passing) |
| Parents | Judy Rosen (Mother), Milton Rubenfeld (Father) |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Birthplace | Peekskill, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Residence | USA (until his passing in 2023) |
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Yearly Paul Reubens Net Worth Growth Rate
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Growth Rate |
| 2020 | $3.5 million | – |
| 2021 | $4 million | 14.3% |
| 2022 | $4.5 million | 12.5% |
| 2023 | $5 million | 11.1% |
How Did Paul Reubens Increase His Net Worth?
Paul Reubens’ net worth was built through his work as an actor, comedian, writer, and producer, most notably for creating and performing the character Pee-wee Herman. With a career spanning decades, he earned from television, movies, live performances, and voice acting. Here’s a detailed look at how Paul Reubens made his net worth:
1. The Pee-wee Herman Franchise
- The Pee-wee Herman Show: Reubens first introduced Pee-wee Herman in a live stage show in 1981, which became a cult hit. The success of the show led to a wider audience and TV opportunities.
- Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Emmy-winning children’s TV show aired from 1986 to 1990 and became a pop culture phenomenon. Reubens reportedly earned $1 million annually at the height of the show’s success, contributing significantly to Paul Reubens net worth.
- Pee-wee Movies:
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), directed by Tim Burton, was a massive success, grossing $40 million on a budget of $7 million.
- Big Top Pee-wee (1988) and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016) also added to his wealth, though their earnings were smaller. As the creator and star, Reubens likely earned millions from these films through salaries and backend deals.
2. Acting Roles
- Television Appearances: Reubens appeared in various TV shows, including 30 Rock, The Blacklist, and Murphy Brown. Guest roles on popular series typically pay between $10,000 and $50,000 per episode depending on the show’s popularity.
- Film Roles: Apart from Pee-wee, Reubens acted in movies like Batman Returns (1992), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), and Blow (2001). These supporting roles contributed tens of thousands per film.
- Voice Acting: Reubens lent his voice to animated shows and movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Family Guy, and Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017). Voice actors for major projects can earn $5,000 to $20,000 per session, adding another steady stream to Paul Reubens net worth.
3. Live Performances and Tours
- Reubens regularly performed live shows as Pee-wee Herman, even staging revivals of The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway in 2010. Broadway performers can earn $3,000 to $5,000 weekly, and successful runs can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
4. Merchandising and Licensing
- Pee-wee Herman Merchandise: The popularity of Pee-wee Herman led to a wide range of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and DVDs. Reubens earned royalties from these products, which could contribute millions over time.
- Streaming and Reruns: With Pee-wee’s Playhouse and other projects available on platforms like Netflix, Reubens continued to earn royalties from syndication and streaming.
5. Writing and Producing
- As the creator and writer of Pee-wee Herman projects, Reubens earned not only as an actor but also as a producer and writer. Writers and producers of hit shows often earn residual income from reruns, DVD sales, and streaming platforms, adding steady, passive income to Paul Reubens net worth.
6. Public Appearances and Events
- Reubens made money through appearances at fan conventions, interviews, and events celebrating Pee-wee Herman’s legacy. Celebrities at conventions can earn $20,000 to $100,000 per event through ticket sales, photos, and autographs.
Estimated Annual Income Breakdown
| Income Source | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Pee-wee’s Playhouse and TV royalties | $500,000 – $1 million annually |
| Pee-wee Movies and Film Roles | $1 million – $3 million (per major project) |
| Merchandising and Licensing | $500,000 – $2 million annually |
| Voice Acting | $50,000 – $200,000 annually |
| Live Performances and Broadway Shows | $200,000 – $500,000 per tour |
| Public Appearances and Events | $100,000 – $300,000 annually |
| Total Annual Income | $2.35 million – $5 million+ |
Summary
Paul Reubens net worth was built through his genius creation of Pee-wee Herman, which brought him fame, wealth, and lasting influence. His work in television, movies, live shows, and merchandising helped him earn millions over decades. Even after his passing, his legacy continues to generate revenue through reruns, streaming, and merchandise, cementing him as one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history.
Where Did Paul Reubens Spend His Net Worth?
Details about Paul Reubens net worth spending:
| Category | Details |
| Real Estate | Invested in various properties, including homes in Los Angeles and New York. |
| Art Collection | Amassed a collection of contemporary and vintage art pieces. |
| Personal Lifestyle | Maintained a comfortable lifestyle, including expenses related to his iconic character’s wardrobe and props. |
| Charity and Philanthropy | Donated to various causes, particularly those related to children’s entertainment and arts education. |
| Legal and Settlement Costs | Spent on legal fees and settlements due to various legal issues during his career. |
| Travel and Leisure | Enjoyed travel and leisure activities, both for personal relaxation and career purposes. |
These are the main areas where Paul Reubens allocated his wealth throughout his career.
Early life and career of Paul Reubens
| Year | Event |
| 1952 | Born as Paul Rubenfeld on August 27 in Peekskill, New York. |
| 1960s | Grew up in Sarasota, Florida, where his parents ran a lamp store. |
| 1970 | Graduated from Sarasota High School. |
| 1970 | Attended Boston University for one year before transferring to California Institute of the Arts. |
| 1977 | Joined The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improv and sketch comedy troupe. |
| 1978 | Developed the character Pee-wee Herman during his time with The Groundlings. |
| 1980 | Launched “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a stage production that quickly gained a cult following. |
| 1981 | HBO aired a special of “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which further popularized the Pee-wee character. |
| 1985 | Starred in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton, a major box-office success. |
| 1986 | Launched “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” a children’s television show on CBS, which ran until 1990. |
| 1991 | Career temporarily declined after being arrested for indecent exposure. |
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Paul Reubens’ Career Overview
| Category | Title | Role | Year | Notes |
| Television | Pee-wee’s Playhouse | Pee-wee Herman | 1986-1990 | Children’s TV show, won several Emmy Awards |
| Television | 30 Rock | Guest Appearance | 2007 | Played the character Prince Gerhardt |
| Television | The Blacklist | Mr. Vargas | 2014-2015 | Recurring role |
| Movies | Pee-wee’s Big Adventure | Pee-wee Herman | 1985 | Directed by Tim Burton |
| Movies | Batman Returns | Penguin’s Father | 1992 | Cameo appearance |
| Movies | Mystery Men | The Spleen | 1999 | Comedy superhero film |
| Movies | Pee-wee’s Big Holiday | Pee-wee Herman | 2016 | Netflix original movie |
| Other Media | The Pee-wee Herman Show (Stage) | Pee-wee Herman | 1981 | Stage production, aired on HBO |
| Other Media | Pee-wee Herman Doll (Toy) | Voice | 1980s | Popular toy from the 1980s |
| Other Media | Star Tours (Disney Attraction) | Rex (Voice) | 1987 | Provided the voice for a character in Disney ride |
Physical statistics of Paul Reubens
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Social Media Accounts of Paul Reubens
| Platform | Link |
| peeweeherman | |
| Tiktok | @peeweehermanofficial |
| PeeweeHerman | |
| YouTube | @PeeweeHerman |
These accounts were used by Paul Reubens to connect with fans, share updates, and promote his work.
Final Words
Paul Reubens, best known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his unique blend of humor, creativity, and whimsy, Reubens brought joy to countless fans across generations. Despite facing challenges and controversies, his resilience and passion for his craft never wavered. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances, which continue to inspire and entertain. Paul Reubens work reminds us of the power of imagination and the importance of embracing our individuality.
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FAQs
1. Who is Paul Reubens?
Paul Reubens was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman.
2. What is Paul Reubens most famous role?
Paul Reubens is most famous for his character Pee-wee Herman, which he portrayed in various television shows, movies, and stage performances.
3. When was Paul Reubens born?
Paul Reubens was born on 27 August 1952, in Peekskill, New York, USA.
4. What is Paul Reubens net worth?
At the time of his passing in 2023, Paul Reubens net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
5. Did Paul Reubens have any children?
Paul Reubens did not have any children.
6. What were some of Paul Reubens other projects besides Pee-wee Herman?
In addition to Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens appeared in several other films and TV shows, including Blow, Mystery Men, Batman Returns, and The Blacklist.
7. How did Paul Reubens pass away?
Paul Reubens passed away on July 30, 2023, after a private battle with cancer.
8. Did Paul Reubens win any awards?
Yes, Paul Reubens won several awards for his work, including a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
9. Was Paul Reubens involved in any controversies?
Paul Reubens faced a few controversies during his career, most notably a 1991 arrest, but he later returned to the entertainment industry and continued to be beloved by fans.
10. Where can I watch Pee-wee Herman shows and movies?
Pee-wee Herman shows and movies are available on various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and DVDs.
