LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Paul Reubens, the actor, and comedian who captured the hearts of millions across the world with his lovable and whimsical 'Pee-Wee Herman' character died on Sunday, July 30. The entertainment world mourns the loss of the icon who was 70.

A statement on Reubens' official Instagram account announced his death. "Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness," read the statement.

How did Paul Reubens die?

According to the statement, the cause of Reuben's death was cancer. "Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit."

The social media post also included a quote from the actor which was to be shared with his fans after his passing: "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

Inside Reubens' professional and controversial life

In the 1970s, Reubens began his illustrious career in the entertainment industry after he joined the 'Groundlings', a comedy troupe in Los Angeles. He joined the troupe as a stage actor and an improv comedian.

The two-time Daytime Emmy winner created the TV series 'Pee-Wee Herman' with the late Phil Hartman which led to 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse', the hit TV series which ran from 1986 to 1990 along with 'Big-Top Pee-Wee', a 1988 movie.

In 1991, the 'Blacklist' actor retired following his arrest for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Florida. Eleven years later, he faced a child pornography charge following a police raid at his house in 2002. Later, the charge was reduced to possession of obscenity, according to Daily Mail.

Throughout the years, the actor revisited the character of Pee-Wee Herman on several occasions, including the 2016 Netflix film 'Pee-Wee's Big Holiday.' He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special after his return to the spotlight in 2010 for a live Broadway installment of 'The Pee-wee Herman Show' filmed for HBO.