One role not mentioned: his voiceover role as Max, the spaceship in Flight of the Navigator, back in the ‘80s. He was credited as “Paul Mall” but it was obviously Reubens, especially toward the end when Max develops a laugh which was 100% Pee-Wee. A lot of ‘80s kids remember that role fondly.

I’ll never forget seeing his 1981 HBO special for the first time. I was in love after only a few minutes.

I love Tina Fey’s story in her book about that 30 Rock episode. It was basically the last episode produced as part of the order for the first half of the first season. The ratings weren’t great so they didn’t know if they would be picked up for the rest of the season. There was a debate among the writers if they…