---
name: "Paul Reubens"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/paul-reubens"
fi1m_id: "paul-reubens"
imdb_id: "nm0000607"
tmdb_id: 5129
wikidata_id: "Q720581"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "27 August 1952"
died: "30 July 2023"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 66
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 8
updated: "2026-10-07T12:39:28.929601+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Paul Reubens

## Identity

Paul Reubens

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/paul-reubens
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** paul-reubens
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000607
- **TMDB ID:** 5129
- **Wikidata ID:** Q720581
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Reubens, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q720581, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000607/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5129

Actor. Born 27 August 1952 in Peekskill, New York, USA. Died 30 July 2023.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 27 August 1952, Peekskill, New York, USA
- **Died:** 30 July 2023
- **Active:** 1980–2011
- **Also known as:** Paul Rubenfeld, Pee-wee Herman, Pee Wee Herman, Pee-wee, Pee Wee, Paul Mall
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 9: 8 acting, 1 other
- **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 8 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 57 (3), 1990s 69 (4), 2000s 82 (1), 2010s 37 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 69 to 60 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 2 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 5, Fantasy 4, Family 3, Animation 2, Crime 2, Drama 2
- **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,366m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Reubens, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q720581, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000607/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5129

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*The Nightmare Before Christmas*](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md) (82)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Nice Dreams*](https://film.one/film/nice-dreams.md) (50)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Biography

Paul Reubens (born Paul Rubenfeld) was an American actor and comedian. He created and performed the character Pee-wee Herman, beginning with stage work in the late 1970s and a 1982 show that led to an HBO special. He joined the Los Angeles improv troupe The Groundlings in the 1970s after studying at the California Institute of the Arts.

Reubens starred as Pee-wee in the films *Pee-wee's Big Adventure* (1985) and *Big Top Pee-wee* (1988), and in the television series *Pee-wee's Playhouse* (1986–1990). He provided the voice of Lock in *The Nightmare Before Christmas* (1993) and appeared in films including *Batman Returns* (1992), *Matilda* (1996) and *Blow* (2001). Reubens died on 30 July 2023.

*Sources: behindthevoiceactors.com, watch.plex.tv, nytimes.com, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (9)

### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these

- *The Smurfs* (2011), Fi1m 37, as Jokey Smurf (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-smurfs.md)
- *Pushing Daisies* (2007), Fi1m 82, as Oscar Vibenius — [page](https://film.one/tv/pushing-daisies.md)
- *Doctor Dolittle* (1998), Fi1m 50, as Raccoon (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/doctor-dolittle-1998.md)
- *Ally McBeal* (1997), Fi1m 63, as Louis — [page](https://film.one/tv/ally-mcbeal.md)
- *The Nightmare Before Christmas* (1993), Fi1m 82, as Lock (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md)
- *Batman Returns* (1992), Fi1m 81, as Penguin's Father — [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Nice Dreams* (1981), Fi1m 50, as Howie Hamburger Dude — [page](https://film.one/film/nice-dreams.md)
- *The Blues Brothers* (1980), Fi1m 81, as Waiter — [page](https://film.one/film/the-blues-brothers.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Moonwalker* (1988), Fi1m 40, as Pee-wee Herman (voice) (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/moonwalker.md)

## Complete filmography (109)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Pee-wee as Himself* (2025), series, Executive Producer
- *The House from...* (2024), In Memory Of
- *DEVO* (2024), as Pee-wee Herman (archive footage)
- *Quiz Lady* (2023), as Francine's Crush
- *The Crown with a Shadow* (2021), as Oliver (voice)
- *What We Do in the Shadows* (2019), series, as Paul
- *Minecraft: Story Mode* (2018), series, as Ivor (voice)
- *The Conners* (2018), series, as Sandy Bitensky
- *Mosaic* (2018), series, as JC Schiffer
- *Pee-wee's Big Holiday* (2016), as Pee-wee Herman · Producer, Writer
- *DC's Legends of Tomorrow* (2016), series, as Dybbuk (voice)
- *O.W.C.A. Files* (2015), as Parenthesis (voice)
- *The Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Magical Friendship* (2015), as The Riddler (voice)
- *Accidental Love* (2015), as Edwin
- *Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero* (2014), series, as The Milkman (voice), The Butterman (voice)
- *LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Batman Be-Leaguered* (2014), as Bat-Mite (voice)
- *Star Wars Rebels* (2014), series, as RX-24 (voice)
- *Gotham* (2014), series, as Elijah Van Dahl
- *Robot Chicken DC Comics Special II: Villains in Paradise* (2014), as The Riddler / Sunbather (voice)
- *Scooby-Doo! Mecha Mutt Menace* (2013), as Irv (voice)
- *The Blacklist* (2013), series, as Mr. Vargas — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-blacklist.md)
- *Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure* (2013), as Screwy Squirrel (voice)
- *The Smurfs 2* (2013), as Jokey Smurf (voice)
- *The Final Moments of Karl Brant* (2013), as Bennett Ferryman
- *Robot Chicken: DC Comics Special* (2012), as The Riddler (voice)
- *TRON: Uprising* (2012), series, as Pavel
- *Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness* (2011), series, as Ju-Long (voice)
- *The Smurfs* (2011), as Jokey Smurf (voice) — Fi1m 37, [page](https://film.one/film/the-smurfs.md)
- *WWE WrestleMania XXVII* (2011), as Pee-wee Herman (Appearance)
- *The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway* (2011), as Pee-wee Herman · Writer
- *Portlandia* (2011), series, as Weirdos' Lawyer
- *Bob's Burgers* (2011), series, as Pat (voice)
- *Life During Wartime* (2010), as Andy Kornbluth
- *Adventure Time* (2010), series, as Gnome Ruler/Dancing Bug (voice)
- *Gavin McInnes is a Fucking Asshole* (2010), as Pee-Wee Herman (archive footage)
- *Batman: The Brave and the Bold* (2008), series, as Bat-Mite (voice)
- *Chowder* (2007), series, as Reuben (voice)
- *Pushing Daisies* (2007), series, as Oscar Vibenius — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/pushing-daisies.md)
- *Reno 911!: Miami* (2007), as Sir Terrence
- *Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!* (2007), series, as The Moon
- *Dirt* (2007), series, as Chuck Lafoon
- *Area 57* (2007), as The Alien
- *Re-Animated* (2006), as Golly Gopher (voice)
- *30 Rock* (2006), series, as Gerhardt — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md)
- *The Tripper* (2006), as Frank Baker
- *Campus Ladies* (2006), series, Actor
- *Hopeless Pictures* (2005), series, Actor
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Wyatt Borden (voice)
- *Tom Goes to the Mayor* (2004), series, as Paul (voice)
- *Teacher's Pet* (2004), as Dennis (voice)
- *Reno 911!* (2003), series, as Rick
- *Rugrats: Babies in Toyland* (2002), as Hermie the Elf (voice)
- *The Groovenians* (2002), as Jet/The Bubbie
- *The Groovenians* (2002), series, as Jet / The Bubble (voice)
- *Blow* (2001), as Derek Foreal
- *South of Heaven, West of Hell* (2000), as Arvid Henry
- *Mystery Men* (1999), as Spleen
- *Doctor Dolittle* (1998), as Raccoon (voice) — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/doctor-dolittle-1998.md)
- *Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas* (1997), as Fife (voice)
- *Ally McBeal* (1997), series, as Louis — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/ally-mcbeal.md)
- *Buddy* (1997), as Professor Spatz
- *Everybody Loves Raymond* (1996), series, as Russell
- *Matilda* (1996), as FBI Agent
- *Dunston Checks In* (1996), as Buck LaFarge
- *Serial Mom* (1994), Thanks
- *The Nightmare Before Christmas* (1993), as Lock (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-nightmare-before-christmas.md)
- *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1992), as Amilyn
- *Batman Returns* (1992), as Penguin's Father — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Sesame Street: Sing Yourself Silly!* (1990), as Pee-Wee Herman (archive footage)
- *Mel Gibson's Unauthorized Video Diary* (1989), as Pee-wee Herman
- *Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special* (1988), as Pee-wee Herman · Director, Executive Producer, Writer
- *Murphy Brown* (1988), series, as Andrew J. Lansing III — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/murphy-brown.md)
- *Moonwalker* (1988), as Pee-wee Herman (voice) (uncredited) — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/moonwalker.md)
- *Sesame Street: Put Down the Duckie* (1988), as Pee-wee Herman
- *Big Top Pee-wee* (1988), as Pee-wee Herman · Producer, Writer
- *It's Howdy Doody Time: A 40-Year Celebration* (1987), as Pee-wee Herman
- *Dolly* (1987), series, as Pee-wee Herman
- *Back to the Beach* (1987), as Pee-Wee Herman
- *Pee-wee's Playhouse* (1986), series, as Pee-wee Herman · Writer, Director, Producer, Creator
- *Flight of the Navigator* (1986), as Max (voice)
- *227* (1985), series, as Pee-Wee Herman
- *All-Star Rock 'N' Wrestling Saturday Spectacular* (1985), as Pee-Wee Herman
- *Pee-wee's Big Adventure* (1985), as Pee-wee Herman · Writer, Set Decoration
- *Meatballs: Part II* (1984), as Albert
- *Pinocchio* (1984), as Pinocchio
- *Cheeseball Presents* (1984), as Pee-Wee Herman
- *The Paragon of Comedy* (1983), as Arnie / Pee-wee Herman
- *Likely Stories Vol. 2* (1983), Actor
- *Madame's Place* (1982), series, as Pee Wee Herman
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Pinocchio, Guest Interviewee
- *Lily for President?* (1982), as Pee Wee Herman
- *Pandemonium* (1982), as Johnson
- *Twilight Theatre* (1982), as Pee Wee Herman
- *Dream on!* (1981), Actor
- *The Pee-wee Herman Show* (1981), as Pee-wee Herman · Writer, Director, Executive Producer, Stage Director
- *Nice Dreams* (1981), as Howie Hamburger Dude — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/nice-dreams.md)
- *The Flintstone Comedy Show* (1980), series, as Freaky Frankenstone
- *The Frankenstones* (1980), series, as Freaky Frankenstone (voice)
- *Cheech & Chong's Next Movie* (1980), as Pee Wee Herman / Desk Clerk (Groundling)
- *The Blues Brothers* (1980), as Waiter — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-blues-brothers.md)
- *Pray TV* (1980), as Jack Chudnowski
- *Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty* (1980), as Cafe Counter Guy
- *Midnight Madness* (1980), as Pinball City Proprietor
- *Working Stiffs* (1979), series, Actor
- *Mork & Mindy* (1978), series, as Dickie Nimitz
- *School, Girls, and You!* (1978), as Wally Bile
- *A Comedy in Six Unnatural Acts* (1975), Actor
- *The Brotherhood* (1968), as Wedding Guest (uncredited)
- *Twilight Park*, as Carny/Mime

## Gallery

- ![Paul Reubens](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-6440b2f3fe9b.jpg) Paul Reubens — Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Paul_Reubens_SXSW_2016.jpg/960px-Paul_Reubens_SXSW_2016.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Photograph of (left to right) David Hasselhoff, Cassandra Peterson, Katey Sagal and Paul Reubens at CalArts, early 1970s (1972)](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-a5875e393edd.png) Photograph of (left to right) David Hasselhoff, Cassandra Peterson, Katey Sagal and Paul Reubens at CalArts, early 1970s (1972) — Paul Reubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Calarts-katey-sagal-paul-reubens-david-hasselhoff.png/1280px-Calarts-katey-sagal-paul-reubens-david-hasselhoff.png?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-40033183b833.jpg) 1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_%282085942519%29.jpg/1280px-Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_%282085942519%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-5199036c3ece.jpg) 1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_%282085942713%29.jpg/1280px-Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_%282085942713%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Paul Reubens](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-7881141d6501.jpg) Paul Reubens — Image via TMDB
- ![Paul Reubens](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-3c3b07fd56fc.jpg) Paul Reubens — Image via TMDB
- ![Paul Reubens](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-cd40b9e90432.jpg) Paul Reubens — Image via TMDB
- ![1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-f0c23dc67d80.jpg) 1988 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_1988_Academy_Awards.jpg/1280px-Paul_%28Pee_Wee_Herman%29_Reubens_1988_Academy_Awards.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Paul Reubens speaking with attendees at the 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if u](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-c05c0377462f.jpg) Paul Reubens speaking with attendees at the 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if u — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Paul_Reubens_%2847956916812%29.jpg/1280px-Paul_Reubens_%2847956916812%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Paul Reubens](https://film.one/media/person/83270/gallery-e6b7b11ee0e4.jpg) Paul Reubens — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/paul-reubens