The cause of death has been confirmed for Paul Reubens, the actor known for his iconic Pee-wee Herman character.
According to multiple media reports Friday about his death certificate, Reubens died of “acute hypoxic respiratory failure” in July at age 70. As Healthline notesThis happens when “your lungs cannot deliver enough oxygen to your blood, preventing your organs from functioning properly.”
Reubens also battled two types of cancer.
One of the cancers, acute myeloid leukemia, begins in the bone marrow, “but most often it moves quickly into the blood.” according to the American Cancer Society.
The other was metastatic lung cancer, a form of lung cancer that is “advanced when it spreads to the other lung or other parts of the body.” WebMD Notes.
The actor was reportedly scheduled to be buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles following his cremation.
The Blast was the first to report it on the death certificate, with People confirm it later.
The actor had kept his battle with cancer a secret, but opened up about it to fans in a posthumous statement at the end of July.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I have experienced over the last six years,” reads the message posted on Reubens’ social media accounts. “I have always felt great love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
The post’s captions described Reubens as having “battled cancer bravely and privately for years, with his trademark tenacity and wit.”
“A gifted and prolific talent, he will live forever in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity,” the posts continued.