Was Pee-Wee Herman Gay or Straight?

Pee-wee Herman was neither gay nor straight. While the character’s sexual orientation is not explicitly defined, Paul Reubens told that he created Herman as an asexual character. 

Actor Paul Reubens recently died on July 30, 2023, years after being diagnosed with cancer. It had not previously been revealed that Reubens had been diagnosed with cancer. The actor’s death was announced with a heartfelt message explaining why he had kept his medical condition private.

Paul was mostly known for his role as Pee-wee Herman who starred in films, television series, and stage performances during the 1980s. The character is known for his youthful and quirky attitude, unusual chuckle, iconic grey suit, red bow tie, and white loafers. While engaging with a variety of odd personalities, he frequently finds himself in humorous and weird circumstances.

On the other hand, whether or not Pee-wee Herman was gay has been a subject of concern for a long time now. While some people claim he was straight, others don’t. Well, we’ve got you covered.

Previously, we discussed the sexual orientation of Michael Crawford and Flyysoulja.

Pee-Wee Herman Was neither Gay nor Straight: Paul Reubens Created Herman as an Asexual Character!

Paul Reubens (@peeweeherman) first created the Pee-wee Herman character in 1977. Herman’s strange and out-of-the-box sensibility helped him swiftly build a devoted LGBTQ audience. However, it’s unknown whether Pee-wee was gay or straight since his sexual orientation is not explicitly defined in the shows or movies.

Matter of fact, Paul Reubens once stated that Paul designed Pee-wee Herman to be an asexual character. It means that the character feels no sexual attraction to any gender. This was an intentional choice by Reubens to make Pee-wee a distinct and childish character with no sexual interests or connections.

Whether Pee-wee Herman was gay or straight is totally up to your personal interpretation.
Image Source: Getty

The character’s relationships with other characters in the different Pee-wee media are mostly platonic and comic. His main goal is to have youthful experiences and interact with the colorful and unique personalities in his universe.

By avoiding clear references to Pee-wee’s sexual orientation, the character could appeal to a broad audience while being approachable to individuals of all ages. Because of Pee-wee’s asexual portrayal, the character has become a symbol of innocence and joy for many admirers.

As a result, Herman’s sexual orientation is subject to interpretation, although based on the creator’s goal and the character’s presentation, he is most frequently viewed as asexual. Thus, it’s up to you. You can identify him as both straight and gay.

However, there’s no doubt Paul Reubens had a huge queer fanbase. Many LGBTQ+ admirers were intrigued by the character’s campy androgynous appearance, as well as his subtle, queer overtones. The Pee-wee Herman universe was as bizarre and outlandish as the character himself, and members of the queer community could view themselves as flamboyant outcasts in Herman.

The Pee-Wee Herman, Paul Reubens, Dies at the Age of 70!

Paul Reubens died on Sunday because of cancer.
Image Source: Variety

Paul Reubens, the actor & comedian whose character Pee-wee Herman — an overgrown child with a tight gray suit and an iconic laugh — died at the age of 70. Reubens, whose character thrilled viewers in the films Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Pee-wee’s Playhouse, died Sunday night following a six-year battle with cancer that he kept hidden. According to the statement posted on his Facebook,

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 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.

In the post, a picture of Paul’s words on why he kept his health condition hidden was also attached.

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.