Net Worth Ranker
What Is Paul Reubens’ Net Worth?
At the time of his passing on July 31, 2023, Paul Reubens, the acclaimed American comedian, actor, and television personality best known for his character Pee-wee Herman, had a net worth estimated at $5 million. This net worth was accumulated over a career spanning several decades and encompassing various facets of the entertainment industry, from stage shows and television series to films and voice acting roles.
Early Career and the Rise of Pee-wee Herman
Paul Reubens, born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, spent his formative years in Sarasota, Florida. His exposure to the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose winter headquarters were located in Sarasota, ignited an early passion for entertainment. While attending Sarasota High School, Reubens’ involvement in theater and his role as president of the National Thespian Society highlighted his burgeoning talent and dedication to the performing arts.
Reubens’ journey through higher education led him to Boston University and, eventually, the California Institute of the Arts. During his time at school, he held jobs as a restaurant worker and a Fuller Brush salesman, and he honed his comedic skills at local comedy clubs throughout the 1970s. It was his six-year tenure with The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improvisational comedy team, that proved pivotal in shaping his career and birthing the iconic Pee-wee Herman character during a 1978 improv session.
The Pee-wee Herman character, envisioned as an aspiring but comically inept comedian, quickly gained traction. Reubens’ performance in “Life with Father” in 1970, where he played an obnoxious character, influenced Pee-wee’s distinctive speech pattern. The name “Pee-wee” was inspired by the Pee Wee brand harmonica, while “Herman” was derived from a childhood acquaintance.
Despite an initial setback when he was passed over for “Saturday Night Live” in favor of Gilbert Gottfried, Reubens channeled his frustration into creating “The Pee-wee Herman Show” in Los Angeles. Supported by fellow Groundlings like John Paragon, Phil Hartman, and Lynne Marie Stewart, the show enjoyed a successful five-month run at The Roxy Theatre, with both midnight shows for adults and matinee performances for children. HBO’s decision to air “The Pee-wee Herman Show” in 1981 as part of their “On Location” series catapulted the character into the mainstream.
To bolster Pee-wee’s recognition and success, Reubens adopted the persona full-time, appearing in public and interviews as Pee-wee Herman. Appearances on programs such as “Late Night with David Letterman” in the mid-1980s, along with touring the country with “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” further cemented his fame.
Film and Television Successes
Riding the wave of success from “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” Warner Bros. commissioned Reubens to write a feature-length Pee-wee Herman film. “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” released in 1985, follows Pee-wee’s cross-country quest to retrieve his stolen bicycle. Directed by Tim Burton, the film had a budget of $7 million and grossed over $40 million domestically, achieving cult film status despite mixed reviews. This success undoubtedly contributed significantly to Paul Reubens’ net worth at that time, with box office success leading to increased opportunities and earnings.
In 1986, CBS approached Reubens to create and produce a live-action children’s program. “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” which aired from 1986 to 1990, had a budget of $325,000 per episode. Reubens not only acted in the show but also served as a producer and director. Despite being targeted towards a younger audience, many adults also enjoyed it as well. In 1987, Reubens won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in Children’s Programming. The show’s popularity and critical acclaim added significantly to Reubens’ income and overall net worth.
Despite a setback in 1991, Reubens made a comeback with appearances in films such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992), “Matilda” (1996), “Mystery Men” (1999), and “Blow” (2001). He also landed a recurring role on the popular sitcom “Murphy Brown.” In 2010, he brought Pee-wee to Broadway, starring in “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” In 2011, he made his debut as the voice of Jokey in “The Smurfs” and worked on its 2013 sequel. In 2016, Netflix debuted “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.” These projects contributed to Reubens’ ongoing income and helped maintain his net worth.
Real Estate Holdings
In 1985, Paul Reubens invested $415,000 in a 3,000-square-foot home situated on 1.4 acres in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. This property served as his primary residence for four decades. Following his death, his estate listed the home for sale in May 2024 for just under $5 million, but it ultimately sold in July 2024 for $3.8 million. This real estate transaction provides a concrete example of how Reubens managed his earnings and invested in assets that appreciated over time.
