The world continues to mourn the late Paul ‘Pee Wee Herman’ Reubens – including Rob Zombie who had a special connection to the actor.

Long before he was famous, Zombie worked as a production assistant on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, which was filmed in New York City.

In a tribute on Instagram, Zombie shared the following story:

“So sad to hear about death of Paul Reubens. He was amazing. Back in 1986 I was lucky enough to be working at a place called Broadcast Arts in NYC when they announced they were doing his new show Pee Wee’s Playhouse. It was a very unconventional set up with the playhouse built in a loft space on Broadway, not a sound stage. I can still remember his first day in the office. Everyone was waiting for Pee Wee to step off the elevator when the doors opened out stepped Paul looking exactly like his mugshot. He took one look at the live band playing ‘Tequila,’ rolled his eyes and walked straight into a meeting. Everyone was bummed. I thought it was hilarious. Only talked to him once. He asked me where the restroom was and I said ‘right over there.’ After the first season they moved the whole show to California and the rest is history.”

Reubens passed away Sunday night after a private bout of cancer. He was 70 years old.

The news came in the form of a post from Pee-wee Herman’s official account which read:

Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness. Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.