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Remembering Paul Reubens: A Look Back at the Life of the Iconic Pee-wee Herman

2023-08-01

Comedic Genius - Paul Reubens is best known for his outrageous character Pee-wee Herman, a role he created in the early 1980s. Reubens' unique brand of comedy was unlike anything else of the time, blending physical comedy with absurdist humor.
Saturday Morning TV - Reubens' success with the character led to a Saturday morning children's show, Pee-wee's Playhouse, which ran from 1986-1990. The show featured a wide variety of characters, all created and voiced by Reubens.
Big Screen Adventures - Reubens also made two feature films as Pee-wee Herman, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee-wee (1988). Both films were well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Broadway Star - In 2010, Reubens took Pee-wee Herman to the stage with the Broadway show The Pee-wee Herman Show. The show was a huge success, and was even adapted into a live television special for HBO.
Legacy - Reubens' influence on comedy is undeniable, and his character Pee-wee Herman will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic comedic characters of all time.

2023-07-31

Pee-wee Herman - Paul Reubens created the iconic character of Pee-wee Herman, originally a stage show character, and brought him to the mainstream in 1985 with the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. He reprised the role in the 1988 sequel Big Top Pee-wee and the Saturday morning television show Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Vincent Adultman - Reubens voiced the character of Vincent Adultman on the hit animated series BoJack Horseman, a character that is actually three children stacked in an overcoat. It was a memorable and beloved role, and Reubens reprised it for the BoJack Horseman movie.
Tyrone Green - Reubens had a recurring role on the hit series 30 Rock as the character Tyrone Green. He was an eccentric executive at Kabletown and was known for his outrageous quotes and behavior.
Maxwell Smart - Reubens had a memorable role as the character Maxwell Smart in the 2008 film Get Smart. He was the Chief of CONTROL and brought a new energy to the classic character.
The Pee-wee Herman Show - In 2010, Reubens brought back the Pee-wee Herman character with The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway. The show was a huge success and ran for over a year.

2023-07-28

Her Debut Album - Sinéad O'Connor's debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, was released in 1987 and was a massive success. It featured the hit song "Mandinka" and earned her a Grammy nomination.
Her Signature Look - O'Connor became known for her signature shaved head look, which she adopted in 1990. This look was seen as a powerful statement and was a key part of her identity throughout her career.
Her Controversial Music Videos - O'Connor made headlines with her controversial music videos, such as the one for her song "Nothing Compares 2 U" which featured her crying. The video was seen as a powerful statement about heartbreak and loss.
Her Activism - O'Connor has been an outspoken advocate for various causes throughout her career. She has spoken out against child abuse, war, and religious intolerance, amongst other issues.
Her Later Years - O'Connor has continued to perform and record music in the years since her debut album. She has released several albums, including her most recent, I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss, in 2014.

2023-07-27

She popularized confessional songwriting - Sinéad O'Connor popularized the confessional songwriting style, which is characterized by its raw and honest lyrics about personal issues. Her breakthrough single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” is a prime example of this style.
She challenged gender roles - O'Connor's music and image challenged traditional gender roles and norms, and her performances were often confrontational and controversial. She was one of the first female artists to completely own her sexuality and femininity on her own terms.
She promoted Irish culture - O'Connor was an outspoken advocate for Irish culture and often incorporated traditional Irish music into her own work. Her most well-known song, “Mandinka,” is an example of her embracing her Irish heritage.
She pushed boundaries - O'Connor was not afraid to push the boundaries of her music and her image, and her willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles was groundbreaking for its time. She was an early adopter of the grunge sound, and her music videos often featured daring visuals.

2023-07-26

Her debut album - O'Connor's debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, was released in 1987 and was an instant success. It featured the hit singles “Mandinka” and “Troy”, and showcased her unique vocal style and songwriting talent. It was met with critical acclaim and remains a classic to this day.
Her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” - In 1990, O’Connor released her version of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”, which became an international hit and one of her most iconic songs. The song was a huge success, reaching number one in multiple countries and earning her two Grammy Award nominations.
Her activism - O’Connor has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights throughout her career. She has used her platform to speak out on issues such as abortion rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of refugees and immigrants.
Her iconic look - O’Connor’s look has become iconic in its own right. Her signature shaved head and bold fashion choices have become synonymous with her iconoclastic persona.
Her musical innovation - O’Connor has constantly pushed the boundaries of music with her unique blend of genres, from folk to rock to reggae and beyond. Her music has been praised for its originality and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.