How Did Pee-wee Herman Come Up with His Name?

HBO’s new documentary “Pee-wee as Himself” offers fans a deeply personal look into the life and legacy of Paul Reubens—better known to the world as Pee-wee Herman. And among the many revelations is the origin of the now-iconic character’s name.

Reubens shares that the quirky moniker “Pee-wee Herman” was inspired by a a musical instrument.

“Pee-wee” was a harmonica?

He says the name was inspired by a tiny harmonica labeled “Pee Wee,” as well as the last name of a boisterous childhood friend. That random but memorable pairing ultimately helped shape one of pop culture’s most enduring oddballs.

Beyond the whimsical surface, the documentary also explores a much more private and poignant part of Reubens’ life—his decision to retreat from public openness about his sexuality.

He reveals he had a serious long-term relationship with a man named Guy during the 1970s. After the relationship ended, Reubens made a painful choice to go “back into the closet,” fearing that being openly gay would derail his career.

“I was as out as you can be,” he says in the film. “And then I went back in the closet. My career absolutely would have suffered if I was openly gay. So I went to great lengths for many, many years to keep it a secret.”

For decades, Reubens was one of television’s most recognizable figures thanks to the success of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”, the feature film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”, and his beloved alter ego’s unique blend of absurdity and innocence. But the pressures of the industry—especially during a less accepting era—forced him to suppress his full identity.

“Pee-wee as Himself” not only chronicles Reubens’ creative genius but also gives overdue space to the man behind the bowtie and bicycle. It’s a touching reminder of the costs artists sometimes bear to protect their careers, and the cultural shifts that, thankfully, have made such choices less necessary for today’s entertainers.

With this documentary, fans are offered more than nostalgia. They’re given an honest, sometimes painful, but ultimately inspiring portrait of a man who made the world laugh—while hiding a part of himself to do so.