Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman fame often overshadowed by sex scandals

nypost.com:

has died at age 70 after a private battle with 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 statement on his official Instagram account read.While well known for that iconic role, he’s also remembered for several sex scandals, including his infamous 1991 arrest for indecent exposure at a Florida porn house, as well as allegations in a child pornography case.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, in 1991, detectives went to the XXX South Trail Cinema to observe the audience for a triple bill of “Catalina Five-O,” “Tiger Shark, Nurse Nancy” and “Turn Up the Heat.” The officers hauled in three men — including Reubens — on charges of violating Florida State Statute 800.03 (Exposure of Sexual Organs) in the dark theater.

The star allegedly offered to perform a children’s benefit for the sheriff’s office if the charges were dropped; however, a department spokesman at the time said that the deputies did not feel that they had enough probable cause to charge him with attempted bribery. “Well, obviously I wasn’t thinking.

You know?” said Reubens — whose character was featured in various iterations including “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” — in a 2004 interview with NBC News. “I certainly wasn’t thinking to myself you’re a children’s show host.