Pee-Wee Herman Gets Extremely Close To Dave | Letterman

Pee-Wee goes extreme.
(From "Late Night," air date: 5/17/83)
#peeweeherman #rip #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. The language may strike you as quaint & flowery, the clothing comically lacey & ornate - but that’s how things were back in this colorful and now bygone era.

[@lorip.1110]

RIP, Paul. You truly were a force of nature. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya! ❤

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

Rest in Peace Paul Rubins And also Rest in Peace PeeWee Herman too. You never know how much you can miss a made up character until they’re gone for good.

[@martha-anastasia]

@lorip you made me cry with the large Marge line. What an original treasure we lost.

[@gmill7414]

Maybe Andy finally caught up to him?

[@wiltchamberlainisthegoat13]

😂

[@TowGunner]

Paul’s father was quite a guy. Before the US entered WW2, he volunteered to fly for the Royal Air Force. Once the US was involved, he flew for the US Army. Then he fought for Israeli independence in 1948. Became a successful businessman and retired to Florida. He and his wife had a small role in PW Big Adventure.

[@daviddelgado8078]

RIP to an icon and a true legend.

[@DR-mq1vn]

I was a teen in the 80s when he started doing Pee Wee and we all loved him!!!!!

[@MotorCityKitty1112]

We love him..RIP

[@lindenarden667]

There were moments that put me in mind of James McAvoy's Hedwig... etcetera. Miss you, Paul.

[@gregoryagogo]

Must be exhausting being "on" all the time!

[@johnphantom]

So bad he got ostracized for doing what every adult does (short of going to a theater to do it at least). He wasn't hurting anyone.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

A whole lot of adults did that in those times too.

[@thefarsidefanthefarsidefan7374]

@@DefinitelyNotBender Why do you say adults? it was just men doing that in theaters, not women.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

@@thefarsidefanthefarsidefan7374 if you really think women didn’t also do that then you’re very naive.

[@lostinspacerobinson1527]

​@@DefinitelyNotBenderof course they did , small minded to think otherwise....

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

@@lostinspacerobinson1527 smooth brained, even.

[@billchief397]

Many happy mornings with pee wees playhouse. Rio paul

[@KingpinPadre]

Oh, man. One of the premier "LATE NIGHT" guests. The appearance where he and Dave are "driving" through the countryside is an all-timer. Rest easy, Mr. Reubens.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

I was at that taping and nearly fell out of my seat.

[@jokerswildio]

​@@vincentjoyce5100so cool 😎 whats it like to see a legend before he became a legend? Were you thinking he'd get that big as you were watching?

[@vincentjoyce5100]

@@jokerswildio never really thought about it, laughing too hard I think

[@Frankincensedjb123]

It worked because he was 100% the kid he was pretending to play. A great comedic actor with a great shtick.

[@ernestomarquez6655]

❤

[@diananutt1517]

@Frankincensedjb123 🌿💕 I'd like to think Paul is aware of all the posts of Pee Wee's appearances on different shows. I sure hope he knew how much we loved him.🍀🙂 I'm going to go Google my favorite now...the scene from his Big Adventure where he's in a noisy biker bar trying to make a phone call. Only Pee Wee could survive that❣️🌿

[@thetrixiefirecracker]

I'll miss him. He was a huge part of my childhood.

[@FloraWest]

I got to see him live in probably 1985. Had 1300 people eating out of the palm of his hand. I will really miss him being in the world.

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

Absolute comic genius. The world is a sadder place today. Rest in peace.

[@Drowning_101]

To this day, it's still so artful how he could leverage a little manic enthusiasm to turn intentionally terrible bits into gold. Behind the seemingly simple character, there was a brilliant mind working on overdrive to be larger than life for his audience so they could temporarily forget about the things that worried them and made them sad. It was such a gift he gave us with his time on this earth. RIP Paul. You loved us and we loved you too!

[@WyattScott]

well said friend

[@v-town1980]

You summed him up perfectly. I got a bit choked up reading this.

[@_PrimetimePranks]

Pee-Wee's Playhouse was a huge part of my early years, a crazy blend of psychedelic fun, naughtiness and twisted humor.

[@vrvaughn]

12 minutes with a hyper active child 😂🤣😂

[@LPJack02]

RIP Paul Reubens (August 27, 1952 - July 30, 2023), aged 70 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@VeronicaMendoza-xh9or]

You are wonderful baby i love you❤

[@VeronicaMendoza-xh9or]

❤❤

[@ginaheller333]

I loved this man since the first time I saw him with the legendary Phil Hartmann (Captain Carl) in his HBO special, and I am very sad about his passing. Thank you for the joy you brought into my life Mr. Herman!

[@jameshudson169]

"what's your favorite name: bill, frank or.....CAPTAIN CARL"?

[@StoneE4]

"Did you wash your hands?" "NO!!!"

[@marke6569]

@@jameshudson169 Russell, Amy's Brother on Everybody Loves Raymond (Hackidu) Episode before bring replaced by Chris Elliot who I also love and bring renamed Peter.

[@v-town1980]

​@@jameshudson169"Wally... Beaver...or Captain Carl!"

[@jameshudson169]

@@v-town1980 I think he's right.

[@theritchie2173]

RIP dude. As other comedians have said for years, the thing he was crucified for was basically why those 'venues' exist in the first place - however weird it might look to us, he wasn't doing anybody else any harm.

[@uphilliceskater]

He always maintained that he didn't do anything other than watch the movies.

[@paulnolan4971]

💯

[@kchastain3]

I never held it against him. If it happened today nobody would care.

[@cash5627]

@@kchastain3 for real, pinning somebody for that is like arresting someone in a bar for being drunk in public. His private life has no bearing on his body of work in my eyes.

[@Ingrid922]

@@uphilliceskater I believe him.

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

I got pulled on stage by PeeWee at a car show event when I was probably 11 y/o. Such a great part of my childhood. I grew up close to Sarasota and Paul Rubins was a local celebrity along with his parents.

[@klipkultur3680]

This unforgettable character was an evolving piece of art. Thank you Paul Reubens.

[@lostinspacerobinson1527]

Wow ! Reading my mind , exactly, living art ! He was living artwork, I'm still pretty sad about it all .........

[@lchaney]

Man, we got old fast.

[@waldo1967]

Paul Reubens had a career outside of his iconic "Pee-Wee Herman" character. The movie "Blow" in 2001 comes to mind. He played along side of Johnny Depp as Derek Foreal. A very talented person to say the least.

[@gmill7414]

Liked him as "The Spleen" in "Mystery Men".

[@slimdude2011]

Oh yes, Paul Reubens had also starred in movies, but he was best known for his character as Pee-Wee Herman, which had made him famous all over the world.

[@johnwebster76]

He even had a part in Cheech and Chong

[@GardenGirlD76]

Genuinely talented, Mr. Reubens. Shame he was sabotaged. I wouldn't have survived my childhood without Pee Wee's Play House or Late Night With David Letterman.

[@zora_noamflannery2548]

you have good taste.

[@ernestomarquez6655]

❤

[@Ingrid922]

And Pee Wee was on Letterman a bunch of times! I've seen all of them.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

Damn, RIP PeeWee. He’s up in a sky Playhouse with Large Marge!! Words of the Day: Already Missed 😢

[@martha-anastasia]

It's like a little bit of me died too. One of a kind. Love you Pee Wee

[@michaelj7069]

Dammit Dave. It’s like every time you post a video I have to check the obituaries. 😥

[@charleybarley914]

The secret word of the day is mourning RIP Mr Reubens.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Wonderfully fitting memorial with the completely manic Pee-Wee, thanks Paul and Dave! Now off to re-watch 'Pee-Wees Big Adventure' to feel sad and happy at the same time.

[@ernestomarquez6655]

❤

[@raffriff42]

“I _love_ this salad…” “THEN WHY DON’T YOU MARRY IT?” “All Right… I WILL!!”

[@TheEman590]

That was great. The whole wedding to the fruit salad was hilarious

[@davidc6032]

Back when the Letterman show just went for it. Those first few years on NBC were classic. Just letting Pee-Wee do his thing for that long was awesome.

[@josephtravers777]

Yes, Letterman had a bizarre show in the beginning and many people didn't 'get' it. It was an acquired taste, much like Monty Python's Flying Circus.

[@simonreynoso7611]

Thank you Paul for bring Joy on Saturday mornings to our household....rip MR.HERMAN

[@rostrhamus]

The most original talents ever! If you don’t find this funny, somethings wrong. Rest in peace peewee.

[@ellisjeff]

I know you are but what am I?

[@TwoAcresandaMule]

The pee wee laugh is iconic.

[@Shawn_D69]

What a wonderful gift to the world Pee-Wee was. ❤

[@MrEvans1973]

This one hurts so very much.

[@nicholassuriano6957]

Grew up in the 80's and Pee-Wee was a big part of my childhood. I will really miss him! He was great. His latest movie on Netflix was totally him! R.I.P. Pee-Wee.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

RIP Pee Wee. One of the most fun person to grace our earth!! Fun with caps. Wow that took me back 75 years.

[@KungEMuller]

Wow! Pee-Wee Herman will be missed and so will Paul Ruebens.

[@7wolfman78]

David and Paul 🎉 Thanks for all the laughs gentleman Comic Icons 😂

[@johnsilva9139]

Pee-Wee lives on. RIP Paul Reubens

[@DominickGiammarinoAZ]

Oh man, as soon as I saw the notification I knew, I miss the guy, he was great

[@hobbygamer6220]

Started with Don Giller and continues here huh ?

[@thenomadicpen]

The impression of his next door neighbor, Moses is gold. Rest easy. @11:47

[@noglenogle]

He manifested so much creativity unabashed

[@randylevy]

Legit the best impression I've seen of Pee-Wee's next door neighbor. RIP.

[@laurih.t.8723]

RIP Paul Reubens... I just adored you as Pee Wee. ❤ But you were so talented & hilarious, with your own unique style that was innocent, timeless and memorable. You were a rare gem and will be missed immensely. Keep dancin' Pee Wee "TEQUILA!" We love you! 💛🙏🤗😘

[@tshandy1]

Pee Wee made Saturday morning television interesting for us older kids back in the day. What an act. It made him a fortune, I suppose. Shame he departed so soon.

[@FishingtheSkyxd]

his commitment to the character is so impressive im dying at his last bit 🤣🤣 thank you paul!!!!

[@RobBakes-d7h]

This is so painful what a unfortunate great loss he truly was brilliant was a gifted human being stayed in character only was interested in satisfying fans, friends and family😢 you will be severely missed Paul Reubens thank you for your genius your kindness and generosity professionalism you really were a gift from God how very fortunate IAM watching you as a kid growing up please rest in peace

[@TheRealGravyDave]

Merci beaucoup, Pee-wee!

[@pika23]

I had that cup too as a kid. We put ice cream soda in it

[@michelenichele294]

😢 Pee-Wee gave our family so much joy. P.S.: anybody else has their grandkids call you Large Marge once in while?😱

[@ytzpilot]

The ‘Face Rings A Bell’ appearance was his absolute best, this one is great too ❤

[@noglenogle]

Where ?

[@ytzpilot]

@@noglenogle This channel hasn't posted it but hopefully they read these comments and post it soon, it was a very early appearance and he took about 10 minutes to get to the punchline, for me it was his best Letterman appearance

[@patrickmartineau1008]

"You're the guy from the hamburger train, right?" RIP Mr. Reubens, you brought joy to so many.

[@michaelparks6120]

My god, who will be next on Letterman's turn-table of death...some guys after 70 just check the obits daily...Dave has a team doing that!

[@williambowers2820]

Pee Wee did that extreme closeup on his Saturday morning show and the camera went into his brain. Great show every Saturday morning at 10, followed by the equally hilarious New Adventures of Mighty Mouse.

[@v-town1980]

Yes! I love how his brain was in a Lazyboy chair, and wearing grey pants like Pee Wee!

[@harleyjackson3708]

Has anybody ever noticed the pants used to be different? Because he's wearing the different pants in question, here. This was always my favorite outfit for the character. Looked the most like a "kids show host" of the time.

[@jennagle5554]

It was on a little unknown network called HBO lol. Times change.

[@MugshotzAS]

Thanks for sharing. He was one of a kind. RIP Paul Reubens.

[@DD-sr9xm]

They are wearing the same suit! RIP Mr Ruebens, thanks for the laughs.

[@AR-ed3xw]

Figured it was bad news when yall posted two videos in less than an hour

[@harleyjackson3708]

1:50 The character had such a deeper underlying personality back before the movie and the TV show version went through a voice and personality change. Little faces he makes like this worried face and him zoning out seconds later always make me wonder what's going through Pee-Wee's head in that moment. Little things like this went away in the later versions.

[@jwolfe01234]

This version of the character was a young child with a short attention span. Perfect for a two segment talk show appearance, but I don't think it would've worked for the movie or the television series. To sustain the longer format, the character had to grow up a little bit.

[@Ingrid922]

@@jwolfe01234 Child-like character, not an actual child.

[@jwolfe01234]

@@Ingrid922 I used a metaphor, you used a simile. They are functionally equivalent. I believe my choice is more evocative.

[@v-town1980]

​@@Ingrid922lol. You got schooled.

[@illiamdeebe7579]

Oh god when drops into that other voice for his imitation of his neighbour lol.. perfect.

[@229BlackHat]

This absolute chad walks out on that stage like nobody I’ve ever seen. I had to check and make sure I wasn’t on 2x playback speed! RIP Paul Reubens

[@deaconblue949]

That was fantastic! Thanks for sharing this with us David.

[@samwlodawskitheone]

I love it we got a true icon of comedy and he's over there with David Letterman. We're gonna miss you Paul more than I think you'll ever realize. I know y'all were great friends when you were down here so please say hi to Phil Hartman for the rest of us. Thank you for all the laughs and all the memories and the incredible kindness that you showed to everyone. And make sure to connect the dots in heaven, bro.

[@Czechbound]

He was a comic genius. RIP

[@valexander8891]

Great and Grateful Memories! Pee Wee's Playhouse would come on, my 3 kids would sit down to watch it. I would go back and forth as I cleaned thinking what a silly show it was. My house would be filled with gut wrenching laughter that echoed above the vacuum as it all but shook the windows. He delightfully made kids all over spontaneously combust with hysterical laughter! Thank you Pee Wee Herman, Paul RIP and God bless you!

[@Scott__C]

Those days really gave us some great and unique comedians. RIP, Pee Wee.

[@MarkKanaster-ev6pq]

Genius from the improv to Saturday morning kid show to big screen movies he did it and he lived his life that is all you need

[@pamelamyers5917]

He's so Funny. You will be missed😥

[@thegood9]

The world is a bit darker now without his spark. RIP Mr. Reubens, you'll be missed, but thank you for leaving your legacy in film and video for perpetuity.

[@scattercreek7389]

Long Live PeeWee, truly a talent who pushed positive and playful to the MAX!

[@SJReid82]

I loved these appearances! Pee-Wee's playhouse was such an integral part of my childhood, and Dave such a touchstone in informing my sense of humor throughout my adolescence and teen years. Lost a very unique and hilarious comedic voice (figuratively AND literally!) in Paul. RIP

[@dsallenger0314]

Paul "Pee-Wee Herman" Reubens... we will miss your acting, dancing, laughs and smiles that you gave us over the many years. You really did give us a Big Adventure! You will be truly missed. 😎

[@pika23]

My heart is 😢

[@ceciliawilson6328]

He gave me a lot of entertainment back in the day. Had the talking doll too.😅

[@wakeupbell2491]

I saw this notification and instantly thought, Paul Reubens can't be dead...can he...? :(

[@jazminratzlaff5357]

Thank you for all the laughter, vibrant exuberant colourful childhood wackiness that is Pee Wee Herman. Love this interview and the close up camera and all the props he used. What a brilliant genius, passed way too young at 70. See you in heavens big carnival playhouse now Paul Reuben. ❤ ♥️ 🥹😆🤣😂👏🏻🙌🏻🫶🏻🎡🎪🎭😇🕯️♾️

[@amjh4lah809]

Damn...Rest In Heaven i guess...? Paul 😢

[@mauijet]

Night night Pee Wee

[@gregoryagogo]

I still have a piece of candy Pee Wee threw at us that day! LOL

[@michaelparks6120]

He was def a weird guy, but also a funny and seemingly nice person... travel well, Paul.

[@kerzytibok3211]

How was he weird? He was playing a character and did it well.

[@escaton74]

@@kerzytibok3211 def was no play

[@v-town1980]

​@@kerzytibok3211A great character indeed.

[@gogoyubari366]

Pure comedic genius!

[@somejackball]

Dave kinda looks like Mike Brady here 😁

[@sgrafx]

RIP. Your best performance was in Blow.

[@jameshudson169]

why do i always somebody has past by watching a youtube video?! RIP Paul

[@joesantamaria5874]

Brilliant and fun. RIP Pee Wee.

[@harleyjackson3708]

"Our next guest is the host of his own successful children's show, although it's hard to prove." Perfect example of the joke becoming the reality. It's gonna be about as hard to get over this one as it was to come to terms with the death of Michael Jackson. This was a performer who was truly on that level of icon status. Rest in peace, Pee-Wee. Boys and girls, today's secret word is end.

[@subg8858]

He did actually have a show on HBO two years before though

[@Ingrid922]

@@subg8858 Sadly I never saw it, as we never had HBO.

[@v-town1980]

Not a fan of MJ, but Pee Wee is great.

[@MattTee1975]

💔

[@jamesdaniels3699]

Pee Wee has left the building RIP Paul Ruebens. Stay out the theater....

[@larrydreiling3951]

Let’s have some fun with tape.

[@v-town1980]

"I'll do the jokes, Howie." God, i miss Pee Wee. RIP ❤

[@badapple65]

Learned just the other day that He was smart to have “Pee Wee Herman” on his Hollywood square. Over time character names are remembered better than the actor’s real name. Such an original act. RIP

[@jairoman4]

Se no fue en silencio un genio de la comedia,pocos decían que era humor simple y tonto pero eso es el gran pee wee simpleza hecha de manera genial, solo con su voz ya era mas que hilarante, soy fan de pee wee y Paul reubens desde siempre,vuela alto genio no habrá nadie Como tú Q.P.D.

[@SchiesterMalG]

Hitting the roll of caps with the hammer is probably my favorite bit I have ever seen Pee-Wee do live. I have never seen this clip before, or have seen him pop caps, but I'll be damned if that isn't exactly what we were doing back when this aired. *tear

[@kim86gurl]

Thanks for adding these videos. Pee Wee’s Playhouse was such an important part of my childhood & I love seeing these clips pre-Playhouse. So funny and quick witted.

[@lostinspacerobinson1527]

He was a gift for us to enjoy, sadly missed........

[@johnwohara]

Paul Reubens was certainly one of a kind. I just hope he was aware of how much his fans appreciated and adored him.