Paul Reubens, who died yesterday, first introduced the world to Pee-wee Herman during a 1977 live performance by comedy troupe The Groundlings. Along with playing comedy clubs with The Groundlings during those early years, Reubens also appeared on TV's The Gong Show more than a dozen times. Here he is in 1979 with John Paragon playing the characters "Suave & Debonair." Of course, Paragon played Jambi the Genie and voiced Pterri the Pterodacty on Pee Wee's Playhouse. Don't miss the toe-dancing that Reubens eventually brought to the big screen in Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)!
Watch the clips below: