Little-Known Facts About Pee-wee Herman

In the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the Groundlings, a popular Los Angeles-based improvisational comedy troupe, an icon was born. Paul Reubens, then a young, aspiring comedian, developed the character of Pee-wee Herman as part of a group exercise. The task required each performer to maintain a character's composure despite obvious flaws. Dressed in an ill-fitting suit plucked from a second-hand store and sporting an overly tight red bowtie, Reubens concocted a persona as unique as it was hilarious.

The voice was pitched high and slightly nasal, the mannerisms exaggeratedly boyish, the humor appealingly innocent. Pee-wee was an instant hit at the Groundlings, his character resonating with audiences who found his irrepressible spirit and childlike antics both endearing and entertaining. This positive reception opened the door for the character's transition to a wider platform. From stage to television and cinema, Pee-wee became a phenomenon, capturing the hearts of audiences across America and around the world.

Pee-wee Herman's voice, a high-pitched, fast-paced, and distinctive delivery, is one of the character's most recognizable traits. This voice didn't appear out of thin air, though. Reubens drew inspiration from the past, paying homage to the golden age of television with his creation. One significant influence was a 1940s children's television show host named Pinky Lee, known for his hyperactive, squeaky-voiced character. Reubens borrowed elements of Lee's fast-talking, energetic delivery to craft Pee-wee's voice.

Eddie Haskell, the charming yet insincere teenager from the 1950s sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," also played a part. Combining the zaniness of Lee's voice with the smooth-talking charm of Haskell's character, Reubens created a unique vocal blend that was as eccentric as the character himself, helping Pee-wee stand out in the crowded landscape of television characters and securing his place in TV history.

Phil Hartman, known to many as the man of a thousand voices on "Saturday Night Live," shared a long and fruitful collaboration with Reubens. As fellow Groundlings members, Hartman and Reubens forged a creative bond that would significantly shape Pee-wee's world. Hartman not only co-wrote the script for the original "Pee-wee Herman Show" stage production but also portrayed Captain Carl, a gruff sea captain with a soft spot for Pee-wee, in both the stage show and on "Pee-wee's Playhouse."

Hartman's contributions to the development of Pee-wee's character and his world were instrumental in the show's success. His knack for creating memorable characters and his comedic timing added a rich layer to the eccentricity of "Pee-wee's Playhouse." The collaboration between Hartman and Reubens was a pivotal point in both of their careers.

When Paul Reubens and the producers were searching for a director for "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," they took a chance on a young, relatively unknown filmmaker named Tim Burton. Burton, whose only previous directorial work had been short films, was an unconventional choice. But his unique visual style, a blend of the macabre and the whimsical, proved to be a perfect match for the offbeat world of Pee-wee Herman.

The collaboration resulted in a film that was both a critical and commercial success, propelling Pee-wee and Burton into the spotlight. The quirky aesthetics of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" laid the groundwork for Burton's later successes with films like "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Burton's success, along with that of Pee-wee, is a testament to the power of creative risk-taking and the magic that can happen when the right character meets the right storyteller.

Reubens was known to be a passionate smoker in his private life. However, to maintain Pee-wee's wholesome image, Reubens was meticulous about never being seen smoking in character or even being photographed with a cigarette when in costume. The cigarette was absent, not just in Pee-wee's Playhouse, but also in promotional events and public appearances.

This was part of a larger strategy by Reubens to create a clear, unambiguous distinction between his personal life and his professional persona. The strict separation between the man and the character demonstrates the depth of Reubens' commitment to his work, his respect for his young audience, and his understanding of the responsibility that came with his popularity.

The quirky, heartwarming plot of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" was inspired by a childhood memory of Paul Reubens. As a kid, Reubens had a bike that was stolen, and the sense of loss and frustration he felt sparked the idea for Pee-wee's first film. The film was a comedic take on the classic hero's journey, with Pee-wee traversing the country in his quest to recover his prized bicycle.

But beneath the hilarity, the film also resonated on a more emotional level with audiences, as it tapped into the universal experience of loss and the lengths one would go to reclaim something precious. This blend of comedy and emotion is a testament to Reubens' storytelling prowess, and it's part of what has made "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" a beloved classic.

If there's one image that instantly comes to mind when we think of Pee-wee Herman, it's him in his unforgettable attire. The ill-fitting gray suit, the red bowtie, and the white loafers have become as iconic as Pee-wee himself. The inspiration for this outfit came from an unlikely source: a picture of Reubens' father from the late 1950s. The intention behind this choice was to give Pee-wee a timeless quality, simultaneously echoing a bygone era while also existing in his own fantastical world.

The carefully curated look served several purposes. Firstly, it visually underlined Pee-wee's childlike persona, with the suit's tight fit suggesting the clothes of a boy who has outgrown his wardrobe. Secondly, the outfit helped create a consistent visual identity for the character. Wherever Pee-wee went, whether it was the playhouse, the open road, or the big top, he was always immediately recognizable in his signature getup. Because it's so instantly recognizable, the outfit has become a popular choice for fans dressing up for Halloween or cosplay events, demonstrating the ongoing cultural impact of Pee-wee's character. Today, decades after it first appeared on screen, Pee-wee's outfit remains an enduring symbol of his quirky charm and his playful, timeless world.

"Pee-wee's Playhouse" wasn't just a children's television show. It was a vibrant, whimsical universe filled with a colorful cast of puppet characters, each one more unique and captivating than the last. These characters, from Magic Screen to Chairry, added depth and richness to Pee-wee's world. Wayne White, an artist, puppeteer, and set designer, was the creative genius behind these memorable characters.

White's puppets were not mere props; they were full-fledged characters with their own personalities, contributing to the playful and imaginative spirit of the show. His ability to bring inanimate objects to life in such a charming and engaging manner played a significant role in the success of "Pee-wee's Playhouse." The unique visual aesthetic that he created became a hallmark of the show, setting it apart from other children's programs of the time.

From the wisecracking Globey to the endearing Chairry, the puppet characters of "Pee-wee's Playhouse" have remained in the hearts of fans long after the show ended. The lasting popularity of these characters is a testament to White's creative genius and his unique contribution to the world of children's television. Even today, the puppets of "Pee-wee's Playhouse" serve as a source of inspiration for artists and puppeteers, highlighting White's enduring influence in the realm of puppet design and performance.

The creation of a character often begins with a name, and Pee-wee Herman is no exception. This unique moniker, synonymous with laughter and joy for millions of fans, has an equally unique origin story. "Pee-wee" was prompted by a small harmonica that Paul Reubens had during his childhood. The little instrument was nicknamed the Pee Wee due to its diminutive size.

"Herman" came from a completely different place. Reubens recalls an energetic, slightly manic boy from his past who was always into some mischief or another. This lively boy, whose last name was Herman, provided the second half of the character's name. Through the fusion of these two disparate elements, Reubens breathed life into a character that combines boyish prankishness with an endearing sense of innocence. The power of this whimsical character lies not just in his larger-than-life personality, but also in the affection and nostalgia evoked by the everyday objects and people that inspired his name.

While Pee-wee Herman is known for his love of fun, games, and all things whimsical, there's another lesser-known passion in his life: his love for fruit salad. This might seem like an odd quirk, but for Pee-wee, it was serious business. His love for this healthy dish was a recurring theme in the "Pee-wee's Playhouse" series. In fact, the show even had a "Fruit Salad of the Day" segment, where Pee-wee would enthusiastically prepare and savor his favorite dish.

This culinary preference added an interesting dimension to Pee-wee's character. It not only showcased his love for healthy foods but also further emphasized his childlike charm and joy in the simple pleasures of life. The ritualistic preparation of his favorite dish was always a spectacle, full of fun and excitement that mirrored Pee-wee's own exuberant personality. The 'Fruit Salad of the Day' segment is just one of the many ways that "Pee-wee's Playhouse" kept viewers entertained and engaged while subtly promoting healthy eating habits.