It was announced this morning that actor and comedian, Paul Reubens, better known to his fans as Pee-Wee Herman, has died at the age of 70.  His death has been confirmed on the official Pee-Wee Herman Facebook page and then reported by Variety. Along with that social media announcement was a post by Ruebens in which he apologized to fans for not having told them about his fight with cancer.

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

The post also included a statement by the page’s moderators:

“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 the caption. “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 our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.” — Pee Wee Herman’s Official Facebook page.

Reubens was a comedic fixture in the Los Angeles comedy scene in the 1970s. It wasn’t until the 80s that he became well-known thanks to his man-child clown known as Pee Wee Herman. That character would become a staple of Saturday morning television with his Pee Wee’s Playhouse which eventually spun off into two successful feature-length movies.

His kooky antics and child-like routines would win audiences over. Eventually, he would become one of the world’s most iconic children’s television hosts.