Paul Reubens, born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his iconic character, Pee-wee Herman. He was born in Peekskill, New York, and developed a passion for performing at an early age. He grew up in a Jewish family in Sarasota, Florida, where his parents, Judy (Rosen) and Milton Rubenfeld, owned a lamp store.