Uncovering the Untold Story of Phil Hartman’s Impact on Pee-wee Herman’s Legacy

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Having been a fan of Pee-wee Herman since childhood, I was eager to delve into the life story of the man behind the character, Paul Reubens, as portrayed in the documentary Pee-wee as Himself. Directed by Matt Wolf, this two-part film sheds light on previously unheard-of aspects of the comedian’s life and career. Tragically, Reubens passed away at 70 in 2023 due to lung cancer. The documentary also highlights another performer who played a significant role in Pee-wee’s rise to fame.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the documentary yet, it’s possible that you may not know that the creation of Pee-wee was a collaborative effort between Reubens and the late Phil Hartman. Intriguingly, what role did the esteemed former Saturday Night Live cast member play in the character’s development, and why has his contribution been largely overlooked for such a long time? Let’s delve into it.

Phil Hartman Is Pee-wee’s Secret Weapon

In the show “Pee-wee as Himself”, we find that the character originated during Paul Reubens’ time with The Groundlings, a comedy group renowned for launching the careers of stars like Phil Hartman. Although the fundamental concept of Pee-wee (a juvenile aspiring comedian) was initially conceived by Reubens, who first appeared in his signature gray suit and red bow tie in the late 1970s, it was with Hartman’s assistance that he truly transformed into an icon.

In 1980, Reubens co-authored the stage play “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which later became an HBO special, with significant contributions from Hartman, who portrayed Captain Carl in it. They then teamed up again to write the screenplay for the iconic ’80s film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” alongside Michael Varhol. Hartman continued his role as Captain Carl on the children’s television series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” at least during the first season. To summarize, Hartman played a crucial part in Pee-wee’s most significant achievements, much like many iconic duos in show business. However, just like these famous pairs, Hartman and Reubens eventually chose to pursue separate paths.

The HBO Doc Also Sheds Light On Phil And Paul’s Complicated Relationship

In the show “Pee-wee as Himself,” Reubens conveys that Hartman’s arrival at Saturday Night Live signified a break in their professional and personal connection for many years. Later on, E! Television’s “The Howard Stern Interview” features Hartman discussing their estrangement during this period, citing feelings of being shortchanged on recognition and payment for Pee-wee’s Playhouse as one reason. Regrettably, the way the documentary presents a 1998 clip from this interview seems to be misleading.

In the complete interview available on YouTube, Hartman openly acknowledges that he didn’t sue Reubens due to his enduring admiration for the entertainer and his abilities. Moreover, Hartman recalls a conversation with Reubens, where the latter congratulated him on his achievements post-Pee-wee Herman. These heartwarming instances might not have made it into the documentary as at that juncture, it delves into Reubens’ 1991 arrest for lewd behavior in an adult cinema, and the editor aimed to maintain a sense of tension throughout.

In summary, I appreciate the documentary titled “Pee-wee as Himself” not only because it delves into Paul Reubens’ career milestones and setbacks, but also because it appropriately acknowledges Phil Hartman’s significant role in preserving the legacy of one of comedy’s most distinctive personalities.

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2025-05-29 14:07