Drena De Niro has shared a heartbreaking tribute to Paul Reubens, after his death at the age of 70.
It was announced on Monday that the Pee-wee Herman actor had died, with to the star on .
Robert De Niro’s daughter,, added her voice to those paying tribute.
Taking to Instagram, Drena opened up about her bond with Paul, detailing the time they spent together.
‘Darling wonderful kind genius Paul. I loved you since the moment I first laid on eyes on you in Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke because even though I was just a kid,’ she began.
‘Weird knows weird and you were brilliantly and beautifully weird.
‘You gave the world so much more than it gave back to you. It was with you that the Media showed what a truly vicious beast it really is. I didn’t know you then but I had wished I could tell you that I loved you and would stand by PeeWee forever.
‘Luckily I got the chance in this lifetime to do just that… Years later we got to work together on #KennyScharf‘s #TheGroovinians , and two weird Virgos became friends till the end.’
Drena concluded her message by urging Paul and Leandro to ‘take care’ of each other, adding: ‘Thank you for letting me part of your Big Adventure.
‘Now you and Leandro can ride bicycles, build elaborate pet feeding systems & talk to the animals everyday together. Take care of eachother. Heaven is lucky to have you 2 angels. Love you Buddy.’
Paul began his career in the 1970s, and shot to superstardom with the in 1980.
The character was an instant success, with his show sold out for months on end – leading to a big screen film in 1985, named Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
He recently reprised the role in a Netflix flick, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which was released on the platform in 2016.
Paul’s death was confirmed on Monday in a statement on social media, in which he posthumously explained that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but chose not to share his condition publicly.
‘Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,’ it read.
‘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.’
‘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.’
