After too many years tucked away in our collective memory banks, comedian and actor Paul Reubens announced this week that he’s bringing his legendary man-child character, Pee-Wee Herman, back to the stage for a limited run of “The Pee-Wee Herman Show” this November in Hollywood. The secret word of the day is “Hooray!” You already can get tickets via Ticketmaster.
Pee-Wee came in at #1 on our list of 10 Fictional Geeks Who Eventually Have Sex, and #2 in our list of 10 Things and People We’re Afraid to Admit We Think Are Funny, although we’re afraid no more. Or at least not as afraid as he is. As Reubens told The Los Angeles Times, “I’m glad people will be 20 to 30 feet away from me on stage. I’m trying to work out a system where people with bad vision sit in front. I think it will work.” No need to worry! It’ll work! Just make sure the suit still fits (or get yourself a new one that does). And in the meantime, we’ll sit back and enjoy The 10 Most Memorable Pee-Wee Herman Moments That Don’t Involve Hand Lotion.
10. Pee-Wee Does Stand Up For Dave
In the early 1980s, Pee-Wee Herman was one of David Letterman’s favorite guests. Pee-Wee became a household name thanks to his repeated appearances, which also led to Pee-Wee getting his own movies and Saturday morning kids show. This appearance is from 1984, in which Pee-Wee tries his hand at stand-up, with a story about a guy ringing a church bell.
9. Pee-Wee’s Playhouse
“Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” ran from 1986-1991 on CBS. Here, you can get a glimpse of the great TV set he had and sing along with the theme song, if you know the words.
8. Make A Wish
You all know what you had to say to get your wish granted, right? If not, let Jambi remind you. Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho…
7. Mr. Bungle!
Pee-Wee always knew how to teach kids right from wrong, and in this clip, he tells Mailman Mike that you don’t want to be a “Mr. Bungle,” with help from an olden time instructional video. What’s a Mr. Bungle, you ask? Oh, now you’re just asking for it…
6. Pee-Wee and Joan
Can they talk? Herman appeared as a guest on the debut episode of Joan Rivers’ ill-fated late-night TV talk show in October 1986.
5. Don’t do crack!
Whomever asked and got Pee-Wee to do a televised Public Service Announcement to tell kids not to try crack cocaine was a genius. Oh, the 1980s. Such a glorious time. Where did the time go? We were too busy not doing crack.
4. Pee-Wee meets Cheech and Chong
Before Pee-Wee was truly Pee-Wee, he made a cameo in 1980’s “Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie” as a hotel desk clerk. The suit and bow tie are different colors from his later iconic look, and his voice wavers a bit. But as he gets roughed up, you do hear him say what would become one of his catchphrases: “I know you are, but what am I?”
3. Pee-Wee does HBO
After a few years of development with The Groundlings, Pee-Wee got his biggest break yet when HBO telecast this Pee-Wee Herman special in 1981. In this scene, Pee-Wee and Dr. Mondo “hypnotize” an audience member.
2. Pee-Wee And Arsenio Eat Cereal
What other guest on a late-night TV talk show could get away with breaking out a couple of bowls of cereal, a Barbie magazine and a naked doll that doubles as a radio? Only Pee-Wee. Here is part of his appearance on Arsenio Hall’s show:
1. Tequila!
And who could forget this one. What do you get when you mix Pee-Wee with a bunch of bikers? It could have been trouble, until Pee-Wee got a final request and showed off his dancing chops. Tequila!
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