American actor Paul Reubens has passed away

(Patria) - American actor Paul Reubens passed away on Sunday at the age of 71, after being diagnosed with a tumor several years ago.

Paul was best known as a children's show star and for his character Pee-wee Herman.

The news was announced on his social media, and a photo of his "letter" to fans, which he wrote before his death, was also shared.

"Please forgive me for not going public with my battle these past six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I loved you all so much and enjoyed creating art with you," he wrote in the letter.

"Last night, we said goodbye to Paul Reubens, the legendary American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity and belief in the importance of kindness.

Paul bravely and privately battled cancer for years, with resilience and humor. Gifted and talented, he will forever live in our hearts as a precious friend and a man of extraordinary and generous character," the announcement read.

According to 24sata, Paul began filming a show about the character in 1982, a project he had been working on for years.

The show was titled ‘The Pee-wee Herman Show’. The show aired for five months, and HBO recorded several specials about it.

Pee-wee Herman soon became a famous character, especially among younger generations.

Later, Paul also filmed the movie ‘Pee-wee's Big Adventure’, directed by Tim Burton, and a few years later, the film was followed by a sequel, ‘Big Top Pee-wee’.

From 1986 to 1990, Paul was the main star of the children's show ‘Pee-wee's Playhouse’.