Those who tune into the new HBO original documentaryPee-wee as Himselfmight be surprised to see that a number of now-notable stars appeared onPaul Reubens' popular Saturday morning TV showPee-Wee's Playhousebefore they became famous. Here's a look at some of those actors who appeared on the show during its run from 1986 through 1990. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Phil Hartman– Before he became a star onSaturday Night Live, Hartman was a regular onPee-wee's Playhouseas Captain Carl. Hartman and Ruebens were both part of the Groundlings comedy troupe in the late 1970s and he claimed that he helped Reubens develop the Pee-wee Herman character. He also co-wrote the 1985 filmPee-wee's Big Adventurewith Reubens. Hartman went on to appear on the sitcomNewsRadioand a few films before he was murdered by his wifeBrynn Omdahlin 1998. Related: Watch Paul Reubens Prank His Director in Sneak Peek of Upcoming Documentary 'Pee-wee As Himself' (Exclusive) Laurence Fishburne– Long before he became known for classic roles inBoyz n the Hoodand theMatrixandJohn Wickfilm series, the actor played Cowboy Curtis onPee-wee's Playhousefrom 1986 through 1990. Natasha Lyonne– The current star of the Peacock crime dramaPoker Facewas only a child when she first appeared onPee-wee's Playhousein 1986. Lyonne went onto fame in the Netflix seriesOrange Is the New BlackandRussian Doll. Jimmy Smits– About the same time he started his breakthrough role on the legal dramaL.A. Law, Smits also appeared as a repairman onPee-wee's Playhouse. He went on to more fame on the ABC seriesNYPD Blueand appeared in twoStar Warsfilms—2002'sAttack of the Clonesand 2005'sStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. S. Epatha Merkerson– Before her long-running breakout role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren onLaw & Orderfrom 1993 through 2010, Merkerson made her television debut as Reba the Mail Lady onPee-wee's Playhouse. Reubens himself also appeared in other films and TV shows aside from his best-known role as Pee-wee Herman. He appeared in a number of films, includingBatman ReturnsandBuffy the Vampire Slayerin 1992. On TV, he was onMurphy Brownfor six episodes from 1996-1997 and lent his voice to a number of TV series, including 2012'sTron: Uprising, 2012'sRobot Chickenand more. These Stars Appeared on 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse' Before They Were Famousfirst appeared on Parade on May 27, 2025
