Paul Reubens, famous for role as Pee-wee Herman, passes away

Paul Reubens passed away Sunday night after battling cancer in private. His estate announced this morning that, “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.”

He has been battling cancer privately for probably about the last 10 years. Reubens created the beloved Pee-wee Herman character with the late Phil Hartman, which led to that HBO special back in 1981.

In 2002, police raided Paul’s house, which led to a child pornography charge. It was later reduced to possession of obscenity.

Despite this, he got another hit TV series, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and of course, he reprised it on Broadway.

Now, I’ve got to tell you that Pee-wee was actually my neighbor. Paul and I have been neighbors for 30-plus years. He lived quietly and sometimes reclusively at the end of our cul-de-sac. So rest in peace, Pee-wee Herman. We will miss you on the block.

Barbie continues to be a box office phenomenon

I also saw the Barbie movie on the weekend. I know it’s a phenomenon that has continued now for two weeks. Barbie has accumulated $351 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters. Its global tally has reached $775 million. It’s the kind of business that is now astounding even veteran studio executives. By the way, you know the suits are already planning a sequel. Note to studios: you’re going to have to negotiate with writers and actors to do a repeat on this one.

Kasi Lemmons career celebrated at the Directors Guild

On Saturday, we celebrated the career of the great director Kasi Lemmons at the Directors Guild. It was a packed house, as many of the stars in her films showed up to show her some love. And you can see many of the photos on Instagram @aurnonline. Congratulations to my long-time friend, Ms. Kasi Lemmons-Hall, who is married to Vondie Curtis-Hall.