SEE AMAZON.COM DEALS FOR TODAY
Motorists traveling on Interstate 10 in Cabazon, California, have noticed that the iconic Mr. Rex of the Cabazon Dinosaurs has been painted in tribute to the late Paul Reubens, known for his role as Pee-wee Herman. The dinosaur, featured in the 1985 film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” now sports Pee-wee’s signature gray suit, white shirt, red bow tie, and white shoes. Reubens passed away on Sunday after a six-year battle with cancer. The owner of the dinosaur park, Denise Kanter, decided to honor Reubens due to customer requests and interest from news organizations. The tribute will remain until October. Brian Blueskye reported
Motorists Heading West on Interstate 10 Notice Pee-wee Herman Tribute at Cabazon Dinosaurs
Motorists driving westbound on Interstate 10 have likely observed a new addition to the iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs. Mr. Rex, one of the massive dinosaur sculptures, now sports a fresh coat of paint in tribute to the late Paul Reubens, famously known as Pee-wee Herman. The Cabazon Dinosaurs proudly shared photos on their social media platforms showcasing Mr. Rex adorned in Pee-wee’s signature gray suit, white shirt, red bow tie, and white shoes on Tuesday night.
The connection between Paul Reubens and the Cabazon Dinosaurs dates back to the 1985 film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton. Although Reubens was not a local resident, the roadside attraction near Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon gained prominence after being featured in the beloved movie. Reubens, who battled cancer for six years, tragically passed away on Sunday. To honor his memory, the owners of the dinosaur park, Denise Kanter and her husband Gary, decided to transform Mr. Rex into a Pee-wee tribute. This homage will last through October before the site transitions to its Christmas celebration. Kanter expressed her belief that “Pee-wee Herman is going to live on!”
When faced with the question of how to approach the situation after Reubens’ passing, Kanter recognized the importance of being considerate. She explained, “When someone passes away, you have to be considerate of how you approach that situation. I was thinking, ‘Well, what do we do? Do we do something or don’t do something?’ Then I felt with requests coming from customers and interest on behalf of news organizations, we must do something.”
Over the years, numerous Pee-wee fans have made pilgrimages to the Cabazon Dinosaurs to capture a selfie or simply acknowledge the iconic movie connection while passing by. Kanter noted that the percentage of visitors specifically drawn to the Pee-wee connection has decreased over time. She shared, “15 years ago, it used to be 40 to 50% of our clientele, but it’s probably about 20% now. They know the movie, the dinosaurs, and they’ll comment, ‘We love Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.'”
The history of the Cabazon Dinosaurs remains somewhat uncertain. Kanter and her husband purchased the property in 1995 from the previous owners. The impressive dinosaur sculptures were originally created by Claude Bell, a sculptor and portrait artist from Knott’s Berry Farm. According to an article on Patch.com from 2011, the Apatosaurus weighing 150 tons and the Tyrannosaurus rex weighing 100 tons were completed in 1975 and 1986, respectively.
Regarding Paul Reubens’ connection with the dinosaurs after the film’s release, Kanter admitted to being unaware of any visits he may have made during the previous ownership. Since acquiring the property, Reubens had not visited the site. Kanter expressed her contemplation of contacting him several times but acknowledged his inclination for privacy. She mentioned, “I thought about contacting him numerous times, but he was very quiet and private. Ever since he was diagnosed with cancer, he took the backseat as far as being in the public.”
Confirmation of Reubens’ passing came from his estate, which posted the news on his official Instagram page on Monday. The announcement honored the late actor, comedian, writer, and producer, describing him as an iconic figure who delighted generations with his beloved character, Pee-wee Herman. It highlighted Reubens’ bravery and private battle against cancer, his tenacity, wit, and immense talent. The post included a quote from Reubens himself, apologizing to his fans for keeping his health struggles private. He expressed deep gratitude for the love, respect, and support he received throughout his career.
The tribute to Pee-wee Herman at the Cabazon Dinosaurs serves as a testament to the lasting impact of Paul Reubens’ iconic character. As fans continue to cherish Pee-wee’s positive and whimsical spirit, his legacy will forever hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults.
Brian Blueskye, an arts and entertainment writer for the Desert Sun, contributed to this report. For further inquiries, contact Brian Blueskye at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or connect with him on Twitter at @bblueskye..
