“Rip Pee Wee”: Following the Passing of Veteran Comedian, Fans Reminisce Late Actor’s Basketball Collaboration With Nike

Paul Reubens’ departure from the world has filled many with sadness. Just hours ago, he took his last breaths, succumbing to cancer at the age of 70. Portraying Pee-Wee Herman, the actor provided comic relief to millions. His iconic character superseded his birth name. When Pee-Wee Herman joined the Groundlings in the 1970s, he stepped onto the highest ladders of success. His demise has created a somber mood for many people who adore the comedian.

The comedian also had a strange relationship with basketball.

Pee-Wee Herman’s Connection with basketball

Reubens was no longer Reubens but Hermann for most of his life, and he never broke out of character even while not on the sets of his show. His fans remember him mostly for his wit and humor as a “corny” and “hip” character. His incredible timing and brilliant improvisations made him famous among both children and adults alike.

The comedian made most of his impact in the 1980s and 1990s. Before being a part of HBO, he was a part of the group Groundlings. With the help of the group, he reached the Roxy Theater. In 1981, his show Pee-Wee Herman show ran shows that were sold out for five months. 

His five-month run was made mainstream by the BBC when they launched their show “On Location’’ and aired the Pee-Wee Herman show. Going to the Late Night Show with David Letterman was also one of the major reasons for his massive success. However, the 1991 indecency controversy forced the already-reserved comedian out of the limelight. It happened when police caught him masturbating to a movie in one of Florida’s adult cinema halls.

In 2007, Nike SB released a Dunk High shoe inspired by Pee-Wee Herman and around the controversy. The character’s customary red bowtie, grey-patterned coat, and white shirt made up the color scheme. These shoes were a part of their “Fallen Heroes” series that featured Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, and Mili Vannili.

This series features those famous personalities that hit a downturn in the public eye. The insole of the 2007 Nike Pee-Wee Herman Dunk Side portrays a lonely and scandal-hit Pee-Wee Herman. 

Fans pour in tributes

Under this Nikekicks post, many fans joined to pay tributes. 

Early in the comment section, a fan predicts,”Incoming “Real sneakerheads knew” comments”.

Right on cue, a commenter states, “Of course I knew?! I have them and copped them at my local skate shop when they dropped. I have two pairs, one dead stock, and the other has been skating on.”

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Another fan revealed having them, “Classics. Still got these in the box.🫶🏾”.

Another fan recalls having them, writing, “Got a DS pair”.

One commenter simply wrote, “Rip pee wee”

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As many mourn the passing of the iconic comedian, many come to know about his Nike connection.