Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens died Sunday at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer.

“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in a statement posted to Instagram after his death. “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.”

Reubens started his career in the 1970s, but it wasn’t untule 1980 when he launched “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” As Pee-wee Herman, Reubens’ live show sold out for ran for months, and he landed a special at HBO.

In 1985, he teamed with Tim Burton on “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the character’s feature film debut. Reubens followed that up three years later, “Big Top Pee-wee.”

“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,” wrote Reubens’ estate in the caption. “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.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.