Drena De Niro, daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Paul Reubens after his passing at the age of 70. In her emotional post, De Niro shared family photos and videos of Reubens with her late son Leandro “Leo” De Niro-Rodriguez, who tragically passed away in July.
In her touching caption, De Niro expressed her admiration for Reubens, describing him as a “darling wonderful kind genius” and praising his unique and brilliant sense of humor. She recalled first being captivated by Reubens’s character Pee Wee Herman when she was just a child, acknowledging that she always felt a connection to his wonderfully weird world.
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De Niro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Reubens on the animated TV short titled “The Groovenians” in 2002, which allowed them to become friends and share a bond as “weird Virgos.” She thanked him for being part of her life’s big adventure.
With the passing of her son Leandro, De Niro shared her grief and expressed her deep love and appreciation for him. She lamented that she doesn’t know how to live without him but promised to carry on spreading the love and light that he brought into her life.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, only 19 years old, was found dead in a New York City apartment. His untimely passing was linked to fake drugs laced with fentanyl, leading to an arrest in connection with his death.
Paul Reubens’s rep confirmed that the beloved actor had been privately battling cancer for years, displaying his trademark tenacity and wit even in the face of adversity. He will be forever remembered for his incredible talent, generosity of spirit, and his enduring legacy in the world of comedy.
As Drena De Niro mourns the loss of both her son and her dear friend Paul Reubens, fans and friends rally around her with love and support. Their hearts go out to her during this difficult time, cherishing the memories of two angels taken too soon.