US actor Paul Reubens, who got here to fame within the Eighties as youngsters's TV star Pee-wee Herman, has died.

The 70-year-old died in a single day after a six-year battle with most cancers, his crew mentioned on Monday.

Reubens was described as an "iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer", in a press release posted on Facebook.

It mentioned: "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.

"Paul bravely and privately fought most cancers for years along with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific expertise, he'll eternally dwell within the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured good friend and man of exceptional character and generosity of spirit."

In an extra publish on his Instagram web page launched following the actor's loss of life, Reubens apologised for "not going public with what I've been facing over 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," he was quoted saying.

Reubens 'surreal comedy was present to us all'

US TV host Conan O'Brien paid tribute to the actor and mentioned: "No tweet can seize the magic, generosity, artistry, and religious silliness of Paul Reubens.

"Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts."

Reubens launched his profession as a comic and stage actor after becoming a member of the Los Angeles sketch troupe The Groundlings within the Nineteen Seventies.

He rose to fame within the Eighties enjoying the whimsical, child-like character Pee-wee Herman on TV and in films.

The character wore a gray go well with, white chunky loafers and crimson bow tie was finest identified for the movie Pee-wee's Big Adventure and the TV collection Pee-wee's Playhouse.

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The dwell Pee-wee Herman Show debuted at a Los Angeles theatre in 1981 and was a hit with each youngsters throughout matinees and adults at a midnight present.

Reubens took Pee-wee to the large display screen in 1985's Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The movie, through which Pee-wee's cherished bike is stolen, was mentioned to be loosely based mostly on Vittorio De Sica's Italian neo-realist traditional, The Bicycle Thief.

The movie, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of Saturday Night Live, despatched Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade.

The film was a hit, grossing $40m, and continued to spawn a cult following for its oddball whimsy.