Faithful fans of Pee-wee Herman remember his humble abode.
Painted red with a front lawn littered with knickknacks, the home was featured in the 1985 full-length film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”
In the real world, the residence, painted now in light yellow with a bright red door, is tucked away in a quiet South Pasadena neighborhood, propped up on Oxley Street between Milan Avenue and Avon Place.
But instead of Christmas decorations and a rocket ship, there were much more somber items displayed near the home front.
Paul Reubens, the actor who played Pee-wee Herman, died July 30 in a private battle with cancer. Since then, fans have flocked to the South Pasadena home to pay their respects to the late actor who helped enrich their childhoods.
Daniel Thomas toured the city’s many filming locations on a recent Thursday. He made sure to check out the city’s historic landmark on 1848 Oxley St.
It was, after all, his 39th birthday.
“That movie was a big part of my childhood and I always wanted to come by,” Thomas said. “It’s unfortunate that I stopped by after he died. It’s sad, but it takes me back. I really appreciate all the laughter and memories.”
The residents who currently live in Pee-wee’s “home,” meanwhile, have welcomed grieving fans with open arms.
Natacha Alpert and husband Christopher Williams have lived in the home for a year now.
They moved from Laguna Beach to South Pasadena since it was closer to Williams’ job working in the video game industry; Alpert also works in the tech industry.
The two share a love for Pee-wee Herman.
“He brought so much joy to everyone and we’ve seen that with everyone who’s visited,” Alpert said. “I wish he could see all the love that there is for him. It’s been great to experience it and see it.”
Before Reubens’ death, Alpert said roughly three people would visit the iconic residence on a daily basis. Since his passing, she noticed nearly two dozen fans pay their respects every day.
From notes to flower bouquets, visitors sandwich their gifts between the white picket fence’s crevices. And while some opted for photo opportunities, Alpert and Williams invited others to their doorstep.
The tributes have been “wonderful,” and more than they expected, Alpert said.
Some of the items will eventually be sent to Reubens’ family, she added, but, for now, the flowers will continue to be on display to let people know the home is still an impromptu memorial.
“We’re leaving everything out as long as possible in his honor,” said Alpert.
