The Secret Identity Of 'Paul Mall Actor': 7 Things You Never Knew About Paul Reubens' Mysterious Pseudonym

The name "Paul Mall" has long been a source of curiosity for fans of a beloved 1980s sci-fi film, appearing in the credits as the voice actor for one of the movie's most memorable characters. For decades, the identity of the "Paul Mall actor" remained a subtle piece of Hollywood trivia, a mystery that piqued the interest of film buffs and led to countless online searches. This enigmatic name, however, is not that of a little-known performer, but rather an alias used by one of the most iconic and complex comedians of his generation: the late, great Paul Reubens. As of this current date in late 2025, the legacy of Paul Reubens continues to be celebrated, with recent tributes and a renewed focus on the fascinating details of his career, including the secret behind this peculiar pseudonym.

The story of "Paul Mall" is a perfect example of Paul Reubens' playful and often mischievous approach to his work, demonstrating his desire to separate his well-known persona, Pee-wee Herman, from his other acting roles. While Reubens tragically passed away in 2023, the details surrounding his life, his private battle with cancer, and the incredible breadth of his career—far beyond the gray suit and red bow tie—are more relevant than ever. This deep dive uncovers the seven most compelling facts about the actor known as Paul Mall and the enduring impact of Paul Reubens.

Biography and Profile: Paul Reubens (The Real Paul Mall)

To truly understand the "Paul Mall actor," one must look at the full life and career of Paul Reubens. Born Paul Rubenfeld, his journey from a struggling comedian to a cultural icon is a testament to his unique vision and relentless commitment to his art.

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• Full Name: Paul Rubenfeld
• Known Aliases: Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman, Paul Mall
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1952
• Birthplace: Peekskill, New York, U.S.
• Date of Death: July 30, 2023
• Cause of Death: Cancer (fought privately for years)
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Voice Artist
• Years Active: 1970s–2023
• Most Famous Creation: Pee-wee Herman (debuted 1977)
• Notable Works (as Pee-wee): The Pee-wee Herman Show, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Pee-wee's Big Holiday
• Notable Works (Non-Pee-wee): Blow, Mystery Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gotham, Flight of the Navigator (as Paul Mall)
• Interment: His grave site was interred in September 2024, a year after his passing.

The True Identity: Why Paul Reubens Became 'Paul Mall'

The mystery of the "Paul Mall actor" centers entirely on the 1986 Disney science fiction adventure film, Flight of the Navigator. The character in question is Max, the voice of the sentient, wisecracking alien spacecraft, Trimaxion Drone Ship (or simply "Max"). The role required an actor with a distinct, zany, and energetic voice—qualities Paul Reubens possessed in spades.

At the time of the film’s release, Reubens was a massive star due to the success of his character, Pee-wee Herman, particularly with the release of Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985). The Pee-wee character was so culturally pervasive that Reubens was rarely seen in public without the persona.

The Surprising Reason for the Pseudonym

The decision to use the alias "Paul Mall" was not a contractual obligation, nor was it, as some speculated, related to his later legal troubles. The director of Flight of the Navigator, Randal Kleiser, clarified the real reason, which is rooted in the spirit of fun and surprise that defined Reubens' career.

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Reubens insisted on the pseudonym because he wanted his involvement to be a secret. He reportedly told Kleiser that he wanted to "stay low key and have it be a surprise." The idea was that audiences would watch the film, recognize the distinctive voice of Max, and have a fun, revelatory moment of realizing it was Paul Reubens, rather than having the surprise spoiled by the opening credits.

The alias itself, "Paul Mall," is a simple, catchy variation on his own name, Paul Reubens (Paul R.). It allowed him to contribute his immense talent to a project without the immediate, overwhelming association with Pee-wee Herman, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor.

Beyond the Bow Tie: Paul Reubens' Non-Pee-wee Filmography

While the Pee-wee Herman character is undoubtedly Reubens' most famous creation, his career was filled with dozens of other memorable roles that proved his range as a character actor and comedian. These roles are essential to understanding the full scope of the man behind the "Paul Mall" persona, demonstrating a talent for playing eccentrics, villains, and comedic side characters.

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His non-Pee-wee work spanned multiple genres, from dark comedy to serious drama, often under the radar due to the ubiquity of his primary character.

Key Non-Pee-wee Roles and Appearances:

• The Penguin's Father (Tucker Cobblepot): In the dark and gritty TV series Gotham, Reubens played the father of Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin), a role he had previously played in the 1992 film Batman Returns. This brought a surprising, dramatic depth to his filmography.
• Paul: Reubens had a hilarious cameo in the FX horror-comedy series What We Do in the Shadows, playing a vampire named Paul in a memorable episode.
• Patrolman Rick: He appeared in several episodes of the mockumentary comedy series Reno 911!, showcasing his improvisational skills in the role of a local law enforcement officer.
• Mr. Spleen: In the 1999 superhero comedy Mystery Men, Reubens played the role of Mr. Spleen, a hero with the unusual power of an overwhelmingly foul smell.
• Derek Foreal: In the 2001 biographical crime film Blow, starring Johnny Depp, Reubens played the role of a flamboyant, drug-dealing hairdresser, a significant departure from his comedic roots.
• The Weirdo's Lawyer: Reubens made a guest appearance in the sketch comedy series Portlandia, proving his ability to adapt to modern, often absurd, comedic styles.
• TV Guest Spots: His early career included appearances in classic shows like Mork & Mindy and later, a notable appearance on Tina Fey’s 30 Rock.

The Enduring Legacy and 2024 Tributes

Following Paul Reubens’ death in July 2023, the entertainment world mourned the loss of a truly unique talent. The news was particularly shocking because Reubens had kept his battle with cancer private for years, fighting the disease with his "trademark tenacity and wit."

The year 2024 saw numerous tributes and celebrations of his life, cementing his status as a comedy legend. These events highlighted not just the character of Pee-wee Herman, but the brilliance of Reubens himself, the actor who also secretly went by "Paul Mall."

• Los Angeles Tribute (July 2024): A major tribute event was held in Los Angeles, gathering comedy giants and friends to honor his life and work, demonstrating the profound impact he had on the comedy community.
• Posthumous Recognition: The tributes often focused on the complexity of his career, acknowledging how he managed to create a character that transcended generations, appealing equally to children and adults with its subversive, surreal humor.
• The Private Man: The quiet dignity with which he managed his illness became a key part of his final legacy, mirroring the way he often preferred to operate, such as using the "Paul Mall" pseudonym to keep a fun surprise for his audience.

The actor known as Paul Mall will forever be intertwined with the legacy of Paul Reubens. He was a gifted, prolific talent who used every tool at his disposal—from a gray suit and a red bow tie to a simple, secretive alias—to bring joy, surprise, and a healthy dose of weirdness to the world of entertainment. The next time you watch Flight of the Navigator and hear the voice of Max, you’ll be in on the secret: you’re listening to a comedic genius who simply wanted to keep the magic alive.