Cause of death announced for Paul 'Pee-Wee Herman' Reubens

Paul Reubens, aka "Pee-wee Herman," arrives for Spike TV's Scream Awards at Universal Studios in Los Angeles in 2011. File Photo by Jonathan Alcorn/UPI
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Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A death certificate has been issued for entertainer Paul "Pee-Wee Herman" Reubens, who died in July at the age of 70.

His immediate cause of death was listed as acute hypoxic respiratory failure.

The comedian, who appeared in several eponymous TV shows and films, was also suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia and metastatic lung cancer.

"Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit," a statement on his social media accounts said at the time of his death.

"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."

Paul Reubens arrives for the 10th Anniversary of the TV Land Awards at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York in 2012. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI
Paul Reubens arrives for the 10th Anniversary of the TV Land Awards at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York in 2012. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI

Reubens was to be cremated and buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to his death certificate.

Paul Reubens, aka "Pee-wee Herman." for the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles in 2011. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Paul Reubens, aka "Pee-wee Herman." for the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles in 2011. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI