When did Lynne Marie Stewart meet Paul Reubens? A look at their collaborations as Pee-wee’s Playhouse alum passes away

Lynne Marie Stewart, perhaps best known as Miss Yvonne from Pee-wee’s Playhouse, passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 78.

As fans and colleagues mourn the actress and pay tribute, many are reminiscing about her decades-long friendship with Paul Reubens, the creator and star of Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

According to an article by NJ News, Stewart first crossed paths with Reubens in the 1970s. During that period they both were part of The Groundlings, a famous Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy group.

While at the Groundlings, Stewart also became close with Phil Hartman, who went on to star as Captain Carl in Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The trio collaborated on several projects, and Reubens’ signature character, Pee-wee Herman, was born out of those early collaborations.

Stewart and Reubens’ professional relationship began in 1981 with The Pee-wee Herman Show, a stage production that introduced Pee-wee Herman to a live audience. Lynne Marie Stewart played Miss Yvonne, a stylish, flirtatious character who was comically nicknamed “The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland.”

Reubens took Pee-wee Herman to the big screen in 1985 with Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and again with Big Top Pee-wee (1988). Though Stewart did not return as Miss Yvonne in these movies, she played different supporting characters (NJ News).

Stewart and Paul Reubens had maintained a good friendship after Pee-wee’s Playhouse ended. They supported each other’s careers.

Lynne Marie Stewart had visited Reubens in the hospital after he was diagnosed with cancer, shortly before he died in July 2023. She reported to the People magazine that he was “funny to the end” and at peace with his life and legacy.

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A look into Lynne Marie Stewart's legacy as an actress

Lynne Marie Stewart was a multifaceted actress whose work stretched for nearly five decades and included almost 150 television and film credits (Forbes).

She rose to prominence thanks to her early roles in American Graffiti (1973) and guest spots on hit TV shows of the day, including M*A*S*H, The Jeffersons, Dynasty and Remington Steele.

Stewart also lent her voice to animated productions, including A Pup Named Scooby-Doo and Batman: The Animated Series. She also enjoyed a major career success in her recurring role as Bonnie Kelly on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, appearing in 18 episodes between 2005 and 2023.

According to Forbes, besides acting on screen, Stewart also appeared on stage, starring in a 2011 reimagined production of The Odd Couple alongside Cindy Williams and Jo Anne Worley directed at Beach Haven’s Surflight Theatre.

Lynne Marie Stewart remained in show business until the end of her days, completing her work on the comedy film The Dink, which was released in December 2023.