When Paul Reubens passed away in July 2023, it felt like a little bit of everyone’s childhood went with him. He was 70. For years, he’d been fighting cancer privately, a battle most of us had zero clue about until that final, heartbreaking post hit Instagram. Since then, fans have wanted to know one specific thing: where is Paul Reubens buried?
It makes sense. People want to pay their respects to the man who gave us Pee-wee Herman, the Gray Crayon, and some of the weirdest, most joyful comedy of the 20th century. If you're looking for him, you'll need to head to the heart of Los Angeles.
The Search for Paul Reubens' Grave at Hollywood Forever
Paul Reubens is interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
If you haven’t been, this place is legendary. It sits right on Santa Monica Boulevard, literally backing up against Paramount Studios. It’s not just a graveyard; it’s a cultural landmark where they host outdoor movie screenings and concerts. It feels like exactly the kind of place Paul would’ve wanted to hang out in.
Finding the actual spot can be a bit of a trek if you don't know the layout. He isn't tucked away in a giant, ostentatious mausoleum. Instead, he’s in a beautiful, serene section of the park.
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How to Find the Site
Basically, when you enter the main gates, you want to head toward the lake (often called the Sylvan Lake). It’s the area with the ducks and the occasional peacock roaming around.
- Look for the Garden of Legends: This area is packed with icons like Johnny Ramone and Chris Cornell.
- The Landmark: His plot is located in an open grassy area near the water.
- The Headstone: It’s a flat bronze marker. It’s elegant but relatively understated for a guy who lived in a literal playhouse. It features his name, his birth and death dates, and a very recognizable engraving of his iconic Pee-wee Herman bow tie.
Interestingly, his headstone wasn't actually placed immediately after his death. For about a year, there wasn't a permanent marker, which led to a lot of confusion among "grave hunters" and fans trying to find him. It finally arrived in late 2024, giving fans a proper place to leave toys, knick-knacks, and the occasional red bicycle figurine.
What Really Happened: The Private Battle
Most people were blindsided by the news. Paul had been dealing with acute myelogenous leukemia and lung cancer for about six years. Honestly, it’s incredible he kept it under wraps for that long while still making appearances and working on projects.
He actually wrote a message to his fans before he died, which was released posthumously. He apologized for not going public, saying he had "always felt a huge amount of love and respect" from his fans. It was a class act move from a guy who spent his whole life making sure the world was a little more colorful.
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After he passed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he was cremated. His ashes were eventually placed at Hollywood Forever, joining a roster of neighbors that includes Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny) and Judy Garland. Talk about a neighborhood with good stories.
Why This Specific Cemetery Matters
You might wonder why he didn't end up in a more private, "celebrity-only" spot like Forest Lawn. Hollywood Forever has a specific vibe. It’s accessible. It’s quirky. It’s where the "misfits" of Hollywood often end up.
There’s a sense of community there that fits the Groundlings alum perfectly. His longtime friend and collaborator John Paragon (who played Jambi the Genie) is also memorialized at Hollywood Forever. Seeing those names in the same vicinity feels right. It's like the Playhouse crew is still together in some way.
Planning a Visit to Pay Your Respects
If you’re planning to visit the where is Paul Reubens buried site, there are a few things to keep in mind. The cemetery is active and hosts a lot of events, so check their calendar before you go.
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- Hours: They’re usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Etiquette: Even though it’s a tourist spot, it’s still a cemetery. People are there mourning. Keep the "Pee-wee laugh" to a respectful volume.
- Tributes: Fans often leave small tokens. If you bring something, make sure it’s weather-proof. A small toy dinosaur or a red bowtie pin is a common sight.
The site has become a bit of a pilgrimage for Gen X-ers and millennials who grew up on Saturday morning television. It’s a quiet, sunny spot that overlooks the palm trees and the Hollywood hills.
Moving Forward After the Loss
While the physical grave is at Hollywood Forever, the legacy is pretty much everywhere else. There have been talks about various tributes and potentially even a permanent museum exhibit for his props, though nothing is set in stone yet.
If you can't make it to Los Angeles, the best way to honor him is honestly just to watch Pee-wee’s Big Adventure again. Or find his old HBO specials from the Groundlings days. That’s where the real "Paul" lives.
For those making the trip, use the GPS coordinates or the cemetery’s digital map. Hollywood Forever is pretty tech-savvy and usually has kiosks or apps to help you find specific residents. Just look for the bow tie—you can’t miss it.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Hollywood Forever website for their annual "Pee-wee" tribute screenings, usually held around his birthday in August.
- If you’re in the area, visit the Groundlings Theatre on Melrose Avenue, where Paul first developed the character.
- Support cancer research organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which was a cause close to the family's heart following his diagnosis.