Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Paul Reubens Documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself' Explored on HBO Max
A documentary about the life of Pee-wee Herman, called 'Pee-wee as Himself', is up for several Emmy awards.
It shows his life and career, including old interviews and lots of footage.
The director, Matt Wolf, worked with Reubens, who was a private person, for a long time.
The film also talks about some tough times Reubens had, like when he was in trouble with the law, and it explores what it was like to be a famous person.
Despite some difficulties, the documentary aims to show the real story of Pee-wee, which makes it unique.
Paul Reubens, known as Pee-wee Herman, was the subject of the HBO Max documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself'.
The documentary features 40 hours of interviews and 1,000 hours of archival footage.
Director Matt Wolf spent a year building trust with Reubens for the documentary.
The film explores Reubens's career, controversies, and his personal life.
The documentary received five Emmy nominations.
- Who
- Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman) and director Matt Wolf.
- What
- Documentary about Pee-wee Herman, 'Pee-wee as Himself'.
- When
- The film was released in May and discussed at a Deadline Contenders at HBO Max panel.
- Where
- The film premiered on HBO Max.
- Why
- To explore the life, career, and personal struggles of Paul Reubens.
Paul Reubens's Privacy
Documentary's Approach
Personal Narrative
Paul Reubens's Privacy
Reubens was intensely private and guarded about his personal life.
Documentary's Approach
The documentary aimed to reveal aspects of his life he kept hidden.
- Documentary Title
- 'Pee-wee as Himself'
- Subject
- Paul Reubens
- Director
- Matt Wolf
- Platform
- HBO Max
- Emmy Nominations
- Five
- Interview Footage
- 40 hours
- Archival Footage
- 1,000 hours
