Paul Reubens issued a heartbreaking apology before he passed away at the age of 70.

Best known as Pee-wee Herman, the beloved actor shared a statement regarding his cancer diagnosis.

His grieving family confirmed the devastating news along with a photo of the star, writing: “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.”

The statement continued: “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.”

The statement also included a photo that held a message from the actor, where he apologized for keeping his diagnosis a secret.

The heartfelt apology read: “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.”

His last wish was for all ‘expressions of sympathy’ to be made in the form of a donation to Stand Up To Cancer or any organization that supports Alzheimer’s and dementia research, in honor of his parents Milton and Judy Rubenfeld.

It was in the 1970s when Reuben rose to fame after he joined the Groundlings comedy ensemble in Los Angeles.

His character Pee-wee Herman was born in 1980 and it quickly gained fans, guaranteeing a successful run of The Pee-Wee Herman Show.

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