The Evolution of Pee-wee Herman

[@retroruckus]

Oh, how you’ll be missed, Paul Reubens. Rest in peace. ❤

[@rjhikups78]

Absolutely. One of my all time childhood legends❤

[@TheBaitou]

I just heard about it, and had to go do some searches to relive the good times and it brought me here. This was a great way for me to remember him.

[@retroruckus]

⁠@@TheBaitouGlad it could bring some comfort. The ending of my video takes on new meaning to me now.

[@StephenPaulChaseJr-nn1ng]

Rest in peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FusionDeveloper]

Oh this is terrible news to me.

[@doozyklutz]

"I don't have to see it, Dottie. I lived it" Dude, I noticed this video was uploaded before his passing but the ending completely fucked me up. This was a beautiful tribute.

[@retroruckus]

I appreciate that a lot, thanks for commenting.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

RIP Paul. I can't honestly think of an 80s icon that influenced me more, he was so sharply funny and gave the world something unique and special in the character of Pee-Wee Herman. He will be missed.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Pee wees playhouse season 2 episode season start show I just love it so much it's looks like new

[@panther105]

Had no information on his early years and how Pee Wee was developed. Thank you so much!!

[@Iluvbisquits]

I'm 52 and watched this yesterday for the first time in probably 30 years. I was legit laughing myself in to tears, but it was from things I had missed as a teenager...Reubens was brilliant...

[@SioMeo]

Crazy how you made this just weeks before his passing. Thank you for loving him enough to make this before being reminded or even appropriate this man to spotlight him

[@JeraWizard]

Great video! I really didn't know anything about Paul Reubens, now I understand why he influenced so many other artists so much. Thank you!

[@dms75]

this is just such an amazing watch. so much joy. TY PEE WEE!

[@nickhuber8023]

He comes, drops two amazing videos and vanishes

[@retroruckus]

Lots of new videos very soon! Thanks for your patience.

[@enamor_amie]

True 80s kid here, never missed an episode of Pee Wee's Playhouse, plus I loved the movies. Your video took me back! Thank you for the memories.

[@MileyonDisney]

Pee-wee Herman, Tim Burton, and Danny Elfman - yes, the stars were definitely aligned. I am so saddened by your passing, Pee-wee, but thank you for the many years of laughter.

[@justinquaylepate1358]

This movie has always been one of my favorites. Long Live Pee Wee Herman's Spirit

[@monkeygod6147]

😢

[@officerjimlahey]

This did not age well.

[@DarrinR.-pq8md]

This comment is a week late.

[@justinquaylepate1358]

@@DarrinR.-pq8md at least we can keep his spirit alive

[@jimm3205]

The death of a celeb doesn’t normally bother me but living in a world without Pee Wee just ain’t the same. RIP Paul Reubens. You will be missed.

[@kenhollis6197]

Yeah. Celebrity deaths usually don't affect me, but Paul, along with Robin Williams and Alan Rickman, makes my heart heavy.

[@Shmaem]

oh. my. goodness how I adore Pee-wee Herman. I have no idea how many times I've watched Pee-wee's Big Adventure and have no clue as to the effect it has creatively had on my life, and in the lives of my creative daughters. I was finally able to visit the Cabazon dinosaurs last month and it was absolutely amazing. Thank you Paul, for getting out there, doing your own creative thing, and bringing us all along for the ride. Thank you for bringing so many incredibly talented people together on your journey and sharing them with us as well. You will be sorely missed. 🩶🤍❤️

[@kkuenzel56]

My son and I watched Pee-wee's playhouse every Saturday together and his two movies. He was such an incredible part of our lives!

[@blueshorecreative3146]

Paul was one of those natural comedians, meant to make people laugh. And Pee Wee is a fantastic creation. I dig the guy. He did 2 more films after Big Adventure.

[@themdg]

Stars aligning indeed! Great video. Thanks for making it. Watching PWBA with commentary on is weeellll worth the time. RIP Paul and Phil.

[@meowmeow1733]

(Blank) Amazing. To see the behind the scenes history of how a favorite childhood show and its star came to be. As a child I never ask questions of creation....the show just was. No think about the history of creativity behind it and how it all came together. But as a adult to revisit your childhood and see it through an adult lens. To now be interested in, understand, and take in consideration the creativity and hard work it took to make something......I won't say you took for granted as a kid, but were clueless of the effort it took.

[@Cherylinna]

Great video 🎉 I was brought up as a big Pee-wee kid for the show & the movies. Look forward to more videos from you! 👏🏻

[@bazingsgozar5836]

I need more videos from you dude. Great stuff.

[@Bill_Woo]

This is an outstanding video. Just the right length, done just right. I'm shocked how few noticed this. I've been spreading it around.

[@retroruckus]

Thank you! I appreciate that lots.

[@biancachristie]

. .. and this is why we should give the Promising Young Weirdos of the world the creative chances they deserve. I was 15 the summer PeeWee's Big Adventure came out, and I invited my new neighbor girl--a Japanese exchange student with very shaky English--to see it at the local mall. We loved and bonded over the movie, and it led to a lifetime friendship. I hadn't heard from her in a long time, but she messaged me the day Paul Reubens died . . . it was sad to lose him, but so great to hear from her. And a few years later, there was nothing like coming down off acid during my college days, and knowing that we had PeeWee's Playhouse to look forward to on Saturday mornings.

[@hwnfrd]

My favorite comedian ever !, when he made " Pee Wees Big Adventure" I can't remember how many times I watched that movie all I know was that it was a lot. Thanks for the funny memories Pee Wee.

[@robertmac7833]

Our world was BRIGHTENED by the sunshine when Paul was with us! There was laughter that was so SORELY needed and is even MORE NEEDED in these tumultuous days we are now living in! There was imagination, there was fantasy, and the ability for all of us to travel back to our childhood again. Paul so skillfully transported us there! You were a beautiful soul. Now the sunshine has gone out. But it’s gonna forever live in our hearts and through his movies. RIP, Pee Wee. You’ll never be forgotten!

[@TeamRocketHQR]

Cried very real tears over this. That's how you know someone meant so much to you.

[@WobblesandBean]

There's no way any major studio would take a risk like this today. It's really sad to think about. At least we have this gem to remind us of a better time.

[@gogoyubari366]

He was a true talent who is loved and missed.

[@acyutanandadas1326]

I know you are but what am I?

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I was struck by how handsome this guy was, before he morphed into PEE WEE.

[@TheRivrPrncess]

@@curbozerboomer1773 He was still handsome as Pee Wee. But yes, as Paul Reubens he was even more handsome.

[@darkthornroseheart7897]

This is so nice to watch after finding out that he's died 😢. A part of my childhood died today..

[@jamesmiller4184]

Mad! - Mad! - Mad! - Mad! And so wonderful!

[@ddrlear]

The timing on the release of this video was impeccable. Rest easy Paul, you were a huge part of my childhood and will never be forgotten.

[@ChescoYT]

Acting MASTERPIECE!

[@Czechbound]

That was excellent. And prescient. RIP Paul

[@laurendaley2503]

Didnt realize how new this video was. Who knew this legend would pass away 2 weeks later 😢

[@Yunone]

Remind me that Tim Burton's first ever film was Pee-wee. Rest easy, Paul.

[@IceCreamMiniMovies]

Bro this is my favorite channel

[@retroruckus]

Thank you!

[@jerseyforhawks]

Paul Ruebens + Danny Elfman + Tim Burton in their emergence = Genius.❤.

[@lowcashranch1412]

Very well done.

[@leadchick]

An interesting short bio as to how things ultimately evolved for Pee--wee. He was quite a gifted artist playing both serious roles (Blow) and the beloved Pee-wee, which will be remembered for generations to come. Thank you for the laughter outside the real world. RIP, Mr. Reubens

[@macross270]

Paul, you made up a major part of all of our childhoods and you will surely live on in our hearts. Rest In Peace, Mr. Ruebens.

[@brooksysdead]

I was 4 when pee wees playhouse first aired and i quite literally grew up idolizing pee wee lol. Saturday mornings were the best! Rest in peace Paul Reubens. My childhood owes you so much ❤

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

We 1980s born kids love you Pee Wee thank you Paul Reubens 😢 my inner child heart is saddened by this sudden passing of the comedic genius. My kids will watch all of Reubens kid friendly* movies and groundbreaking Saturday morning show Pee Wee’s Playhouse ❤

[@simondavis750]

I will miss him so much. I work in child care and he is my biggest inspiration in life along with Cassandra Peterson. Its crazy, I haven't seen any of him in years and the other day I watched the movies to celebrate his talent after I heard he left us. I never realised just how much I took from him to be an entertainer of kids.

[@DavidKen878]

This was such an informative video. I had no idea Pee-wee’s Playhouse won Emmy Awards, let alone 15.

[@bobdobalina838]

Rest in peace buddy, and thank you for the laughs. The world is a bit less silly without you.

[@Zknwlf]

Had this on vhs. Probably watched it 50 times. I remember a friend taking me to see this while I was suffering a bad break - up. I never laughed so hard in my life. Forgot about my broken heart. Fell in love with PeeWee.

[@9poundcarp]

I am only 13 but as soon as I laid eyes upon pee wees big holiday (2016), I knew I had a love for this guy. It’s so sad. I miss pee wee :(

[@Bringthapain]

Nice work on the video! I never missed his morning show as a kid.

[@johnlarson1249]

Growing up, my father was...that type. If at home, the objective was to NEVER let him catch you in a mode that wasn't anything but full 'house cleaning...house repairs...yard work.' You had to find a way to always stay one-step ahead of him. His persona was one that truly warranted the proverbial walking on eggshells. Along with the above, it seemed that my father's objective in life was to refuse access to anything even remotely enjoyable for his family. As a result, he was anti-television...he was anti-movies...he was anti-restaurant...anti-celebrate a kid's birthday, etc. He was such a hard man...and a hard man to love. The random moments of fun we did have while growing up were typically achieved by outfoxing dad. It was a terrible way to have to find some joy in life. Up until the summer I turned 12, nothing had ever penetrated my father's killjoy attitude...that is until a movie came along. Of course, it's not a film that we would actually see at a movie plex, but instead would come into our house by way of a great 80's invention...the VCR. One day, I would walk through the front doors of my house with the VHS-formatted tape entitled, 'Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.' As we read about the movie...saw the rating...and spoke to a few people who had seen the film, we would knew that it was wholesome family fun...no profanities...no alcohol/drug use...no nudity/sex...and lastly...no scenes that would even provide the remotest of cringe-worthy moments. We thought...could this be the first movie that makes it into our house where our father would actually allow us to watch in peace...and without distraction? While it passed the most important test, we still thought that the story/content would be so lost on our father, that we would still be movie-less. While I could continue to write paragraphs about this moment, let me instead cut to the chase: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure would not only be the first movie that would be watched in our home, but our father eventually sat and watched it with us. It was not only acceptable, but this movie would become one of the most beloved treasures of our home. Over the last almost 40 years, we would watch this movie hundreds of times...quote it endlessly...and do character scenes to make each other laugh. Thank you, Mr. Paul Rubens...aka Pee-Wee Herman. You were truly a special, and you shared your gifts with the world. Thank you for believing enough in yourself to take those seemingly incalculable risks to put your namesake, Pee-Wee Herman, up on the screen. Your genuine soul will be missed. What a loss.

[@KelleyGrl5758]

Peewee's Playhouse & Hey Vern it's Ernest made my Saturday mornings as a kid! RIP Paul and Jim 🌹

[@skatee99]

Film & Video alumni from Columbia College Chicago. Having loved Paul and, putting 3 kid's through college, raising them on "Pee-Wee", I must say: Though I have of course seen many video compulations on Paul since his passing, yours is one of the most thorough, well documented and put together I have seen. Very well done!

[@romandarobot7732]

Wow, what a fantastic video and tribute to Paul’s genius. Bravo to everyone who was involved in putting this together. Thank you so much!

[@tomhill4003]

Thank you for this video! Pee Wee has been a big part of my, and my kids lives. He was beyond amazing!

[@crunchytaco7734]

Still my number one favorite childhood movie and show. RIP PEE-WEE❤

[@SteveKelem]

Excellent recap of Paul's success & following!

[@retroruckus]

Much appreciated!

[@MrSunlander]

So long, Paul, and thanks for the gags and laughs! Rest.

[@OkamiWSDwarrior]

I remember being about 2 years old and my parents letting me see The Herman Show on VHS and I became obsessed. I had a Peewee doll and it was one of my favorite things I had. He was absolutely influential and comforting during hard childhood times. He helped all of us feel like kids again. He helped us feel loved, special and silly. Thank you Peewee, you are such a legend 💛 you will never be forgotten hope you are riding your bike in bliss.

[@randysanchez3960]

Great short on PeeWee. Paul followed his dreams and flew further than he ever thought. Now he flies in the eternal sky. Thanks for all the wonderful memories growing up. The world today needs more laughter and fun.

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

That was intensely "Romantic" - deserves way more views!

[@Eowynnofrohan]

I LOVED his show when I was a little kid in the late 80s. It was a few years later that I saw the movie at my cousin's house and I thought it was the best movie ever. I still quote it and its part of our extended family's culture. (Quotes , in jokes etc-- how scared we all were at Large Marge!)

[@Jkrshoe]

So many of us loved you so Paul! You will be so missed💔

[@KaiTiura]

"I'm a rebel, Dottie." What a GREAT video!!!

[@petercastillo2752]

R.I.P. Paul Reubens 😢😢😢😢

[@adamohmmeter]

Today I learned Paul Reubens was partly responsible for getting Danny Elfman to become one of the greatest film composers of modern times.

[@dudeonbike800]

You published this three weeks ago? Just two short weeks before his passing? That's either amazing timing or you were privy to some terrible inside knowledge. So sad to lose Paul Reubens. Only now am I coming to realize his amazing talents. Hate it when I learn these things too late :( That said, you put together a wonderful piece here. Thank you so much! Pee-wee's Big Adventure sure encapsulates childhood experience and the love of a bicycle. Reubens really put a human - if totally zany - touch on the value a bicycle has to a kid - and an adult like me! Pee-wee Herman will always be the ambassador childhood bicycle lore.

[@healthsciencevideos9346]

Love the visuals and the narration, wish it continued his evolution past his issues with the law and then his revival with the Broadway stint and new special for streaming. Also, his acting and writing have been great as well.

[@retroruckus]

Yes, love everything he does. I have always been fascinated by a stage character’s first transition to the big screen, so I decided to focus on that timeline, especially with how much attention the controversies already get. HBO is producing a full documentary on his life though, so your wish will be granted soon!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

Great video! I still have my Pee-Wee's Playhouse lunchbox from back in the day although sadly not the talking doll.

[@retroruckus]

Now that’s a flex!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

@retroruckus I think I used to have a picture book for Big Top Pee-Wee too. Which I watched recently for the first time in forever and really loved it. In some ways I might even like it better than Big Adventure, but that's just a personal preference.

[@maximusw01]

Pee-Wee was a part of my childhood, even though I’m a Gen Z kid. RIP Paul ❤️

[@supaflymicros]

It's crazy you put this out a month ago. The universe aligns once again. Rip.

[@melaniemills4505]

My kids loved your Saturday morning show...RIP! 😢

[@TheeSlickShady_Dave_K]

thanks for this video Pee Wee will live forever in our hearts and minds Paul Reubens was a genius "I know you are but what am I?"

[@mikenoface]

I watched the HBO special when I was probably a little too young for a few of the jokes, but still loved him right away. RIP Paul.

[@juni674]

He even got Larry Fishburns career started. I know I have watched Pee Wees Big Adventure over 100 times I love that movie.

[@EvaFull]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ He had been acting BEFORE that. Was in Apocalypse Now as a teenager in 1979. Which was his 5th Acting Role according to IMDB.

[@courtnography]

This is my first Retro Ruckus video--and hotdamn I love your concise narrative style that refuses to sacrifice power on delivery. Pee-wee meant so much to me as a child and this was a lovely, and informative, medium that encourages a personal revisit to Reubens' work.

[@retroruckus]

Wow, thanks very much. I’ve just begun this channel and I appreciate the kind words!

[@roberttreacy8271]

Another awesome video.

[@retroruckus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bterm7554]

I just watched a whole bunch of Pee-Wee Herman clips and scenes. I laughed until my sides hurt and tears bolted from my eyes. When I watched the last scene and it was over, the tears kept on coming. You were unique, gifted. and made so many people smile and laugh. Your comedic talent was genius. It takes me back to a time When so many people I knew and loved in this world were dying of AIDS. You provided escape from difficult realities. I will always remember the relief you brought me when I had to sustain composure through the horrific experience of losing so many loved ones and friends. I only hope that someone with similar experience to mine let you know how much you helped. I love you for the comfort you provided me. I only wish I had known you and could have told you that. R.I.P.

[@MrUdaman4]

I saw his show live in Dallas not knowing what to expect and loved it.

[@CreativeSteve69]

Glad to have discovereed you from your last video on the muppets. It's been fun watching whatever topic you come up with these past couple months. I am glad I have lived the era or growing up on both the muppets and pee wee both through re-runs on the weekends in the mid 90' early 2000's. Can't wait to see what topic you'll come up next. Fun fact about me. If it weren't for pee wee herman, amongst friends I've made on twitch I probably wouldn't grow to love doing improv on my weekends at my local theater. :)

[@retroruckus]

Ah, thanks. That’s awesome!

[@dustinschings7042]

Wow, the timing of this video is just....it's like you knew before we did..

[@Alexzw92]

Great Video, Nicely done. Subbed (which I rarely do)

[@arunca190]

This is a beautiful piece. A world without Peewee is something we have to get used to.

[@jerrelljones9991]

First time watching and this video is great

[@shipnerd27]

Dang, I can't believe after the passing of Paul I have become absolutely obsessed and interested in Pee-Wee and now I wanna make a fan show that is stop motion! I loved how he was so wacky and silly and loveable. He certainly will be missed!

[@chang7347]

My mom was so excited when all the Pee-Wee Playhouse episodes were coming to adult swim so she could show them to me. Some of my best memories were watching those crazy episodes with her.

[@showguyer]

Peewees playhouse was one of my favorite saturday morning shows

[@leoguy1979]

I never stopped watching this movie since I was little. It was my to go movie when I needed a pick me up and it always will be.

[@poetcomic1]

From the golden age of the silent film till now 'The Child Man' is one of the most American and beloved of comic archetypes. Pee Wee was a classic.

[@Yo_DynamoJoe]

Wow. You are quite excellent at making retrospectives. Script, editing, music, everything is on point. Loving this channel so far! I always wondered why PeeWee never got an NES game. It probably would've sucked. Still, it feels like a minute hole in fabric of the decade.

[@retroruckus]

Thanks for the kind words! I have a theory for why that didn’t happen - Paul was incredibly smart about maintaining the rights to his character. Meaning that if Warner Bros., Paramount or CBS were to sell the video game rights for any of the movies or TV show, they would have lost a lot of profit to Mr. Reubens anyways. And Paul himself *only* had the rights to his character, meaning if he made a game independently, it couldn’t feature any of the movies’ or TV show’s characters, music or storyline. All that probably kept both sides away from it.

[@stsmith77]

Well done.. we love you Paul!!

[@Rxflecting]

This is amazing, I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for this channel 😊

[@retroruckus]

Thank you so much!

[@CuteCuteJames]

The world needs absurdist humor. Mad respect.

[@JoshuaHeald]

*🎭R.I.P. Paul Reubens.🎭* The brilliant weird magnificence of Pee-Wee Herman belongs to the ages now!

[@Doc_Tar]

It's basically one joke, but what a wonderfully innocent and enthusiastic joke. We could use more "not taking myself too seriously" and "you're all in on the joke" humor today.

[@aaronpincus6095]

5:18 Phil's diner was one of the last railroad car diners around. I ate there all the time when I lived in the Valley. I always had the Mish Mosh. It's also on the cover of Phil Everly's album also called Phil's Diner. And like Pee Wee, the good things never last long enough. RIP Paul

[@gwts1171]

Nice video. Now we need one covering the rest of his great career!

[@Aroundthefire77]

This video is well done. Thank you for making this.

[@ashleyhuff2892]

We LOVE Pee Wee!

[@Its_Me_Wheelz]

How time changes. Back in the day, my sister and I would dive in front of the TV and watch this on Saturday Mornings. My dad thought it was the stupidest thing he ever saw. Skip ahead and a few years ago, he was watching old Pee Wee clips here on KZbin and giggling. I'm telling ya, Boomers are some strange cats, then comes Gen-X yelling, hold my beer!

[@pinuppalmer]

This is well done thank you for this !

[@Odin31b]

05:30 the hitchhiking thumb! So funny i Literally LOL..

[@rogeredwards4871]

Wow, now that i'm looking back really gonna miss him