Paul Reubens — the comedic actor best known for playing Pee-wee Herman — is passed after a private battle with cancer.

Paul died Sunday night, according to a statement posted Monday on his Instagram account that stated, “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.”

The comedic icon will forever be remembered for his Pee-wee Herman character, which Paul created in 1978 during an improv exercise with The Groundlings. Paul worked with another comedy legend, the late Phil Hartman, to develop the character.

As for his cancer battle, Paul addressed it in a note he’d written, saying … “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. 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.”

Paul was 70 years old.