David Hasselhoffis remembering his former roommatePaul Reubens.
TheBaywatchstar, 71, posted a black-and-white throwback photo of himself with Reubens as he praised the late actor — whosedeath at the age of 70 was confirmed to PEOPLEon Monday — in a tribute post on Twitter and Instagram.
“Paul Reubens was a great, great friend,” Hasselhoff wrote in his caption. “He gave me the muppets for my birthday and never forgot anyone’s birthday from our class.”
“He was in my class at CalArts and room mates!" added Hasselhoff about their time together at the California Institute of the Arts. “He was always kind to me and to everyone. He will be missed.#paulreubens#peeweeherman.”
In the photo, Hasselhoff can be seen smiling next to Reubens as he’s dressed asPee-wee Hermanin a suit and bow tie. A message written in pen over the photo reads, ‘To my ‘ol college buddy David aarrrrrrr! Your pal, Peewee Herman and David.’
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Arnold Jerocki/WireImage; David Hasselhoff Twitter
On Monday, Reubens' rep revealed the actor had cancer for years before he died.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement from Reubens’ rep to PEOPLE read.
Hasselhoff and Reubens had a decades-long friendship prior to his death.Peewee.com
Peewee.com
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
The news was also confirmed on Reubens’official Instagram page.
DirectorTim Burtonwas among those to pay tribute to Reubens. The pair first worked together when the actor introduced Pee-wee Herman on film in 1985’sPee-wee’s Big Adventure, which Burton directed.
“I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career,” Burton, 64, wrote in an Instagram post, which stated that he was “shocked and saddened”at the news of Reubens' death.
“It would not have happened without his support,“ he added. “He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
source: people.com
