The world recently lost a titan of comedy when Paul Reubens sadly passed away at the age of 70, and it's worth revisiting his funniest comedic cameos. Best known for his character of Pee-Wee Herman, Reubens was a hilarious writer and performer who brought his unique sensibility to any project that was lucky enough to include him. While he will always be remembered for his own projects like Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Reubens also lent his talents to other projects through cameos.

Reubens would often appear in one-scene roles in feature films, or as a guest actor on one episode of a sitcom and completely steal the scene, if not the entire episode or movie. He was an extremely talented person who left his mark wherever he went. Here are Paul Reubens' 10 funniest cameos.

Related: Paul Reubens Remembered: Hollywood Memorializes Pee-wee Herman Actor

10 Penguin's Father in Batman Returns

Paul Reubens Batman Returns

In 1992, Reubens reteamed with his Pee-Wee's Big Adventure director, Tim Burton, to make a small appearance at the beginning of Batman Returns. Reubens plays the millionaire father of the monstrous Penguin, who eventually abandons his son in the sewer. Despite not having any lines, Reubens manages to deliver a darkly hilarious satire of the ultra-wealthy. His performance genuinely convinces the audience that his character is so hoity-toity that he would abandon his only son and let him live with circus penguins, and successfully sets the bizarre, gothic tone that the rest of the movie follows.

9 Prof. Parenthesis in Phineas and Ferb

Perry writing his instructions on a book in Phineas and Ferb

During the later part of his carer, Reubens lent his vocal talents to many animated projects, including playing Jokey Smurf in the live-action Smurf movies, but his most memorable vocal cameo was his one episode of Phineas and Ferb playing Prof. Parenthesis. Parenthesis is an evil flea scientist bent on taking over the world. Like most Phineas and Ferb characters, Parenthesis has a cute charm about him, but Reubens’ performance takes him to the next level. One of the running jokes of the episode is that Parenthesis keeps mispronouncing words, and Reubens delivers these lines in a way only he could, emphasizing the strangest syllables.

8 Pee-Wee Herman in Comedy Bang! Bang!

Pee Wee Herman Paul Reubens

In 2013 Reubens revived the Pee-Wee Herman character for a Halloween episode of the talk show parody Comedy Bang! Bang!. Pee-Wee came in costume as a cowboy and even brought his homemade ranch double-baked potatoes for the host Scott Aukerman. It was a joy to see that Reubens still had the character of Pee-Wee in him after so many years. The character would eventually return to the big screen in Pee-Wee's Big Holiday, but before then it was nice to see the character make smaller appearances in shows like Comedy Bang! Bang!.

7 Sir Terrence Bernadino in Reno 911!: Miami

The cast of Reno 911 Miami, being briefed by Jim

Throughout the Reno 911: Miami movie, as well as the series that precedes it, Nick Swardson's Terry keeps making wild claims about his life and his wealthy father Sir Terrence Bernadino. The Reno 911 gang, understandably, never believes him, but at the end of the film, it is revealed that not only was Terry telling the truth the entire time, but his dad is played by the great Paul Reubens. This is a great punch line to a years-long-running joke, and Reubens kills his one scene, somehow tying it all together and making it make sense that every insane story Terry has told is true.

6 Lawyer in Portlandia

Paul Reubens Portlandia

When Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstien's "weirdos" get arrested and put on trial, they appropriately get a weirdo lawyer, played by Reubens, to defend them. Portlandia's funniest skits have an absurdist and wacky tone that fits Reubens perfectly and there is no type of character he can play better. The speech he gives to defend the weirdos is hilarious, but also a perfect encapsulation of everything Paul Reubens stood for. He was always championing the outsiders and goofballs, and through this speech, he is able to express that in an over-the-top and comedic manner.

5 FBI Agent in Matilda

Matilda Bob and Bill

Reubens is only in a few minutes of Danny DeVito's Matilda, but he makes every second count. Playing against type, Reubens is an FBI agent who takes himself far too seriously, only to be outsmarted by the young Matilda. This is one of many examples of the range Reubens had, as this character is basically the opposite of Pee-Wee Herman. Despite no changes to his appearance, he gets lost in the role, fully committing to being the straight man and the butt of the joke.

4 Lock in The Nightmare Before Christmas

Lock staring at Shock menacingly in A Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas has the unique distinction of being a classic for not one, but two holidays. Henry Selick's stop-motion feature has become a staple of both Halloween and Christmas, and Reubens left his mark as the voice of the mischievous Lock, one of the children tasked with kidnapping Santa. Reubens brings his youthful energy to the role, and also gets to sing the iconic song "Kidnap the Sandy Claws". The song is a highlight of the film, and Reubens would often perform it live with Danny Elfman after the film became a beloved classic.

3 Pee-Wee/Desk Clerk in Cheech and Chong's Next Movie

Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman Smiling in Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Before Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Reubens would do the Pee-Wee character in his stand-up and sketch comedy. This caught the eyes of many comedic talents of the time, including stoner comedians Cheech and Chong, who decided to include Reubens and the character in their film Cheech and Chong's Next Movie. The character would, of course, go on to receive several films of his own, a Broadway show, and a TV show, but he still manages to be a stand-out in this wacky comedy. It also proves the universal appeal of Pee-Wee as he is able to be a comedic highlight of a raunchy Cheech and Chong movie, as well as a family-friendly adventure.

2 Paul in What We Do in the Shadows

Paul what we do in the shadows

In the What We Do in the Shadows vampire reunion episode "The Trial", several actors who played iconic vampires cameo as the jury for the main characters. Reubens, essentially reprising his role from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is the best part of the best episode of this hilarious sitcom. He goes all out, showing how dedicated he is even to the silliest of roles. What could have been a cheap cameo, mostly playing on nostalgia, is turned into a hilarious gag thanks to the effort and comedic timing of everyone involved, but especially Reubens.

1 Gerhardt Hapsburg in 30 Rock

Paul Reubens Gerhardt 30 Rock

Reubens’ cameo halfway through season one of 30 Rock is a highlight, not only of the show, but of Reubens’ entire career. Gerhardt Messerschmit Rammstein Von Hap is the 25-year-old prince of Austria and a spoiled brat who falls in love with Jenna Maroney at a high society event. This role demonstrates Reubens' incredible character work as well as his psychical comedy. He and Jane Krakowski have incredible comedic chemistry together, and the character of Gerhardt has become a fan favorite despite only appearing in one episode. This is the episode where 30 Rock really found its comedic footing and goes to show how far a little Paul Reubens can go.