The Struggle for Control: Unpacking the HBO Documentary "Pee-wee as Himself"

The HBO documentary series "Pee-wee as Himself" is a two-part exploration of Paul Reubens, the performer behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman. The documentary delves into the life and career of Reubens, from his early days as a stand-up comedian to his rise to fame with the beloved children's television show "Pee-wee's Playhouse." However, what quickly becomes apparent is that this documentary is not just about the highs of Reubens' career, but also the struggles he faced in maintaining control over his own life and image.

The Birth of Pee-wee Herman

Reubens was born on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York. He grew up in a family that encouraged his creativity, and from an early age, he began performing stand-up comedy. After dropping out of high school, Reubens moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in comedy.

In the late 1970s, Reubens created the character of Pee-wee Herman, a cartoonish, childlike personality that quickly became a hit with audiences. The character was based on Reubens' own childhood experiences and his desire to create something that would bring joy to children.

The Rise of "Pee-wee's Playhouse"

In 1986, Reubens created the popular television show "Pee-wee's Playhouse," which ran for four seasons and became a beloved part of many children's lives. The show was known for its eclectic mix of characters, music, and humor, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

However, behind the scenes, Reubens was struggling to maintain control over his own life. He had become increasingly reclusive and withdrawn, and he began to feel overwhelmed by the demands of fame.

The Struggle for Control

As "Pee-wee's Playhouse" gained popularity, Reubens found himself becoming more and more entrenched in the character of Pee-wee Herman. He became a recluse, rarely leaving his home or interacting with the outside world.

Reubens' manager at the time, Mark Shanahan, began to exert more control over the performer's life, booking him for appearances and controlling his schedule. Reubens felt like he was losing himself in the character of Pee-wee Herman, and he became increasingly paranoid about the direction of his career.

The Consequences of Losing Control

In 1991, Reubens was arrested at a men's restroom in Sarasota, Florida, for leering at a police officer. The incident sparked a media firestorm, and Reubens' career began to unravel.

Reubens was charged with indecent exposure, and he was forced to plead guilty to avoid a trial. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and ordered to pay a fine.

The incident marked the beginning of the end for Pee-wee Herman as we knew it. Reubens' career never fully recovered from the scandal, and he became increasingly reclusive in the years that followed.

A New Chapter

In recent years, Reubens has made a comeback of sorts, releasing new material and performing at various comedy clubs and festivals. However, he still struggles with the legacy of Pee-wee Herman, and he continues to grapple with the consequences of losing control over his own life.

The HBO documentary "Pee-wee as Himself" provides a candid look at Reubens' journey, from the highs of his career to the lows of his personal struggles. The documentary is both a tribute to the enduring power of Pee-wee Herman and a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing control over one's own life.

Conclusion

The HBO documentary "Pee-wee as Himself" is a thought-provoking exploration of the highs and lows of Paul Reubens' career. The documentary provides a candid look at Reubens' struggles with fame, identity, and control, and it serves as a reminder that even the most beloved characters can have darker sides.

Through his journey, Reubens has come to realize that success is not just about achieving fame or fortune, but also about maintaining one's own sense of self. The documentary is a powerful testament to the enduring power of art and creativity, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and renewal.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Reubens created the character of Pee-wee Herman in the late 1970s.
• "Pee-wee's Playhouse" ran for four seasons and became a beloved part of many children's lives.
• Reubens struggled to maintain control over his own life as he became increasingly reclusive and withdrawn.
• The character of Pee-wee Herman became a symbol of Reubens' identity, and he felt overwhelmed by the demands of fame.
• Reubens was arrested in 1991 for leering at a police officer, which marked the beginning of the end for Pee-wee Herman as we knew it.

Recommendations

• "Pee-wee as Himself" is a must-see documentary for fans of Paul Reubens and the beloved character of Pee-wee Herman.
• The documentary provides a candid look at Reubens' struggles with fame, identity, and control.
• It serves as a reminder that even the most beloved characters can have darker sides.

Final Thoughts

The HBO documentary "Pee-wee as Himself" is a thought-provoking exploration of the highs and lows of Paul Reubens' career. The documentary provides a candid look at Reubens' struggles with fame, identity, and control, and it serves as a reminder that even the most beloved characters can have darker sides.

Through his journey, Reubens has come to realize that success is not just about achieving fame or fortune, but also about maintaining one's own sense of self. The documentary is a powerful testament to the enduring power of art and creativity, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and renewal.

About the Author

The author is a journalist who has written extensively on the topic of Paul Reubens and the character of Pee-wee Herman. With years of experience in research and writing, they bring a unique perspective to this documentary.